Is Staten Island Safe, Pros and cons of living in Staten Island

Is it Safe to Live in Staten Island?

Staten Island presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally lower than the citywide average but show some concerning trends. The overall serious crime rate is 6.6 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half of New York City’s rate of 14.2 per 1,000 residents (as reported by Robert DeFalco Realty). However, crime has seen an increase in recent years, with major crime jumping approximately 40% in 2022 and a significant surge in murders in 2023.

While the borough is statistically safer than many other parts of New York City, specific areas, particularly on the North Shore, experience higher crime rates, including issues with gangs, drug activity, and car thefts. Residents generally consider the southwestern parts of the borough to be the safest. It’s important to note that even with a low overall crime rate, the experience of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood.

Pros and Cons of Living in Staten Island

Staten Island offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for many. Its appeal lies in its more affordable housing market compared to other New York City boroughs, its abundance of green spaces, and a strong sense of community. However, challenges exist, including a longer commute to Manhattan and a cost of living that remains higher than the national average.

Housing Market and Costs

The housing market on Staten Island is dynamic, with the median home sale price standing at $750,000 as of last month, reflecting a 5.9% increase year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price is around $699,000, with a median rent of $2,900 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). Homeownership is high, with 70% of residents owning their homes, a rate higher than the national average (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). However, housing affordability remains a concern, particularly for renters who have a lower median household income than homeowners (as reported by the New York State Comptroller).

Job Market and Economy

Staten Island’s economy is characterized by growth in sectors like construction, social assistance, leisure and hospitality, and healthcare. The construction sector has seen significant job growth, adding twice as many jobs as were lost during the recession (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). Healthcare is the largest employer, accounting for nearly a quarter of all private sector jobs in 2017 (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). Major employers include Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). The unemployment rate was 4.6% in July 2018 (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). The average annual salary in Staten Island is approximately $47,786 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), though other sources indicate a higher average salary of $80,516 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Climate and Environment

Staten Island experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures around 85°F in July, while winters are cold and snowy, with average lows of 28°F in January (as reported by NOAA). The borough receives a moderate amount of snowfall, around 27 inches annually, and high precipitation, with about 48 inches spread throughout the year (as reported by NOAA). The island is known for its green spaces, with one-third of its acreage dedicated to parks and recreation, earning it the nickname “Greenest Borough” (as reported by the New York State Comptroller).

Demographics and Lifestyle

Staten Island has a population of approximately 495,747 residents (as of the 2020 census). The demographics show a majority White population, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and Black communities. The median age is around 40.6 years (as reported by Data Commons). The borough is known for its strong sense of community and more suburban feel compared to other New York City boroughs (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). The average household income in Staten Island was $124,946 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).

Education and Schools

Staten Island’s public schools generally perform well, with an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of New York public schools (as reported by Niche). Math and reading proficiency scores are above the state averages (as reported by Niche). Top-ranked public schools include Staten Island Technical High School, P.S. 5 Huguenot, and Naples Street Elementary School (as reported by Niche). The overall graduation rate for the district is 84.3% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Staten Island is higher than the national average, estimated to be about 27.6% more expensive (as reported by Robert DeFalco Realty). This is largely driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher than the national average, with a median home value of $660,600 (as reported by The Pinnacle Team). Utility costs are also a substantial expense, averaging around $447 per month, which is 33.8% higher than the national average (as reported by Robert DeFalco Realty). Property taxes are also above the national average, contributing to the overall expense of living on the island.

Major Employers

Staten Island’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, with healthcare and retail trade being the two largest sectors (as reported by The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce). Major employers include Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital, which collectively employ thousands of individuals (as reported by the New York State Comptroller). Other significant employers include large retail chains like Walmart and Costco Wholesale, as well as logistics companies like FedEx and UPS (as reported by Indeed.com). The growth in construction, social assistance, and leisure/hospitality sectors also contributes to employment opportunities on the island (as reported by The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce).