Top 10 Worst Neighborhoods In Queens (2026)

1. Roosevelt Avenue Corridor

The Roosevelt Avenue corridor, which runs through Jackson Heights, Corona, and Flushing, has been described by civic leaders as an “urban crime zone” overrun by brothels, drug rings, and human trafficking. Local advocates claim there are more brothels than bodegas along the strip, with organized crime operating openly.

The corridor has become a focal point for prostitution, illegal vending, and drug activity, creating a climate of disorder that affects residents and businesses. The NYPD has conducted numerous raids and enforcement operations, but the challenges persist. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly after dark, and avoid engaging with illicit vendors or suspicious activity.

2. Southeast Queens (Jamaica)

Southeast Queens, particularly the Jamaica area, has the highest concentration of shootings in the borough. The 113th Precinct ranked fifth worst citywide for shootings, prompting the borough president to allocate $50,000 for a gun buyback program.

The area has experienced persistent gang violence, with rival groups engaging in tit-for-tat shootings that have sometimes injured innocent bystanders. The neighborhood includes a mix of residential streets, public housing complexes, and commercial corridors. Residents and visitors should remain vigilant, particularly at night, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

3. South Jamaica

South Jamaica recorded a 20.3% increase in overall crime, with all major categories showing double-digit growth. The 113th Precinct, which covers South Jamaica, saw increases in murders, shootings, robberies, and assaults. The area has a high concentration of public housing and has struggled with gang activity, drug trafficking, and poverty.

Community organizations are working to address the root causes of violence, but progress remains slow. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should exercise caution, particularly after dark, and avoid confrontations.

4. Forest Hills / Rego Park

Forest Hills and Rego Park recorded an 18.9% overall crime increase, with grand larceny up 52.9%. The 112th Precinct posted the largest crime increase in Queens North. While these neighborhoods are generally considered safe and desirable, the sharp rise in property crime—particularly theft of unattended packages, shoplifting, and vehicle break-ins—has raised concerns among residents.

The area includes major commercial corridors and transit hubs that attract opportunistic thieves. Residents should take precautions with deliveries, secure vehicles, and remain aware of their surroundings in shopping areas.

5. Queens North (Broadly)

Queens North, which includes neighborhoods like Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, and Flushing, recorded a 62% surge in murders and a 60% rise in shooting victims. It was the only NYPD command in the five boroughs to see a murder increase. While overall crime in Queens North is down 1.9%, the spike in violent crime has alarmed residents and officials.

The area includes some of the borough’s busiest commercial districts and transit hubs. Visitors should remain vigilant, particularly in areas with active nightlife and late-night activity.

6. Rockaways (Arverne/Edgemere)

The Rockaways, particularly the Arverne and Edgemere neighborhoods, have experienced gang shootouts and incidents of bystanders being struck by stray bullets. Five gang members were indicted for a shooting spree that wounded two people. The area has a mix of residential buildings, public housing, and beachfront properties.

While the Rockaways are generally safe during the day and attract visitors to the beach, certain pockets experience elevated violence. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and avoid areas known for gang activity, particularly at night.

7. Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights recorded a shocking sidewalk murder when an illegal migrant intentionally mowed down a teenager with his SUV. The 115th Precinct responded to the incident. While Jackson Heights is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood with excellent restaurants and shopping, the Roosevelt Avenue corridor running through it has become a focal point for crime and disorder.

Residents and visitors should exercise caution, particularly along Roosevelt Avenue after dark, and remain aware of their surroundings.

8. Springfield Gardens / Laurelton

Springfield Gardens and Laurelton have been targeted by rival gang shootings between the Floss Money Ballers (FMB) and the Blitz Gang 4 (BG4). Gang violence has terrorized these communities for over two years, with shootings occurring in residential streets and near schools. The area includes a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings.

Residents have reported feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. Community groups are working to mediate conflicts and provide alternatives for at-risk youth, but the violence persists. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly after dark.

9. Rosedale / Cambria Heights

Rosedale and Cambria Heights have experienced brazen daylight attacks, including an incident where a 15-year-old was ordered to open fire on a street. Gang-related shootings have been reported in these generally quiet, residential neighborhoods.

The area includes a mix of single-family homes and small businesses. Residents have been shocked by the outbreaks of violence in what are typically peaceful communities. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

10. Queens Village

Queens Village is the base of the “Bad-Co” gang, which locals have dubbed “Shadyville.” The gang is responsible for at least 13 shootings, including three homicides. The area includes a mix of residential streets, apartment complexes, and commercial corridors.

While Queens Village is generally a working-class, family-oriented neighborhood, the presence of gang activity has created pockets of concern. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly at night, and report any suspicious activity to the NYPD.

COMPARISON TABLE

TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING QUEENS’ SAFETY LANDSCAPE

Check Official Crime Data: The NYPD publishes weekly CompStat reports with precinct-level crime statistics. The NYC Crime Map and NYPD Complaint Data Historic dataset allow residents to explore crime data by location, date range, and crime type. Always check block-level data before committing to a neighborhood, as crime can vary significantly within a single precinct.

Crime is Concentrated: While overall crime in Queens is down 1.9% in the North and up 2.3% in the South, specific corridors like Roosevelt Avenue and the Southeast Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica and Springfield Gardens experience far higher rates of violence and gang activity. The northwest part of Queens (Astoria, Long Island City) reports the most total crimes, but this is partly because it has more retail establishments and visitor traffic.

Gang Violence Drives Violence: Much of the recent violence in Southeast Queens stems from ongoing turf wars between gangs like the Blitz Gang 4 and the Floss Money Ballers, resulting in shootings that sometimes injure innocent bystanders. The “Bad-Co” gang in Queens Village is responsible for at least 13 shootings.

Context Matters for Hotspot Areas: Areas like Roosevelt Avenue and Jamaica show high crime rates partly because they are where people gather for commerce, transit, and nightlife. A high rate doesn’t automatically mean the residential streets are dangerous. Visitors should use caution in commercial areas and after dark.

Positive Trends Exist: While Queens North saw a murder increase, overall crime in the borough remains relatively low compared to other parts of New York City. The NYPD continues to deploy resources to hotspot areas, and community organizations are working to address the root causes of violence.

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CONCLUSION

Queens’ most challenged neighborhoods are concentrated in the southeastern part of the borough, where gang violence, drug activity, and economic distress create conditions for persistent crime. The Roosevelt Avenue corridor has become a focal point for organized crime, while Southeast Queens—particularly Jamaica and South Jamaica—records the highest concentration of shootings. Forest Hills and Rego Park have seen a sharp rise in property crime, and Queens North recorded a 62% surge in murders. However, it’s important to recognize that Queens remains a generally safe borough, with overall crime down 1.9% in the North. The majority of the borough’s neighborhoods are peaceful, diverse, and vibrant. By checking block-level crime data and remaining vigilant in the identified hotspot areas, residents and visitors can navigate Queens safely. For those considering a move, exploring neighborhoods in the central and northeastern parts of the borough will provide a more secure living environment.

Rank	Neighborhood	Key Challenge	Notable Context
1	Jamaica	Gang activity, shootings, muggings, drug activity	Major commercial hub with government facilities; described as one of Queens’ roughest areas
2	Willets Point	Armed robberies, business theft, street crime	Industrial area known as the “Iron Triangle”; undergoing redevelopment
3	The Rockaways	Murders, shootings, robberies	Popular beach destination with a mix of income levels and growing popularity
4	Ozone Park	Recurring gun violence	Diverse residential neighborhood near Aqueduct Racetrack
5	Rosedale	Gun violence and serious crime incidents	Population decline noted; concerns about neighborhood safety
6	Corona	Shootings, assaults, stabbings, homicides	Dense multicultural neighborhood with several major thoroughfares
7	Ridgewood	Gang-related violence, shootings, robberies	Historically German neighborhood that has become highly diverse
8	Long Island City	Gang activity, gun violence, drug-related crime	Major arts and commercial district in western Queens
9	Queensbridge Houses	Frequent shootings and violent crime	Large public housing development within Long Island City
10	Roosevelt Avenue Corridor	Shootings, robberies, violent street crime	Busy commercial and transit corridor across central Queens

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✨ Key Takeaway

The areas listed tend to fall into four broad categories:

Type of Challenge	Areas
Gang-Related Violence	Jamaica, Ridgewood, Long Island City, Queensbridge Houses
Gun Violence Hotspots	Jamaica, Ozone Park, Rosedale, Corona
Robbery & Street Crime	Willets Point, Roosevelt Avenue, Rockaways
Public Housing / High-Density Issues	Queensbridge Houses, parts of Jamaica

Safest Areas Contrast

By contrast, neighborhoods frequently cited among the safest in Queens include:

• Bayside
• Douglaston
• Little Neck
• Forest Hills
• Auburndale
• Fresh Meadows
• Whitestone

Overall, the list portrays Jamaica, Queensbridge Houses, Corona, Ozone Park, and parts of the Rockaways as the neighborhoods with the most persistent concerns regarding shootings, robberies, and gang-related activity, while many eastern and northeastern Queens neighborhoods maintain substantially lower crime levels.