In New York State, there are many well-known cities like New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester. However, not all of them are equally safe. Based on recent crime data from the FBI, one town in New York stands out as the most violent and dangerous among all the counties and major cities.
Fife: The Most Violent Town in New York State
Fife, a small town in Niagara County near the Canadian border, is home to about 10,000 people and spans 5.8 square miles. Despite its seemingly peaceful appearance, crime statistics paint a different picture.
In 2021, Fife had a high rate of violent crime, with 1,238.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This rate is over ten times higher than the state average of 112.3. Violent crimes in Fife include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Additionally, the town experienced a property crime rate of 5,678.9 per 100,000 residents, more than four times higher than the state average of 1,257.9. Property crimes in Fife include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
These crime rates in Fife are not only the highest in New York State but also rank among the highest in the entire nation. According to Neighborhood Scout, Fife is the 11th most dangerous city in the United States out of 18,000 cities, indicating that it’s more perilous than 99.9% of cities across the country.
What Makes Fife So Violent?
Fife’s high crime rates have no single cause, but some reasons might include poverty, joblessness, drug problems, and gangs. In 2019, Fife’s poverty rate was 28.9%, way above the state’s average of 13.3%. In 2020, its unemployment rate was 9.4%, also higher than the state average of 8.4%. These tough economic conditions might push some people towards crime as a means of surviving or coping.
Another issue adding to Fife’s crime is drugs and gangs. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office says Fife is a hotspot for drug dealing, especially heroin, fentanyl, and meth. These drugs are really addictive and risky, sometimes leading users to act violently or irrationally. Fife is also where you’ll find gangs like the Bloods, Crips, and Latin Kings, often involved in fights, shootings, and thefts.
How Can Fife Become Safer?
Fife has been dealing with crime for a long time, but there’s hope for improvement. Here are some steps being taken or suggested to make things better:
- Increasing police presence and patrols, especially in high-crime areas.
- Starting community programs like the Fife Police Athletic League to help police connect with young people.
- Providing more help for preventing and treating drug addiction, like the Niagara County Opioid Task Force.
- Creating more jobs and opportunities for businesses to grow, supported by organizations like the Fife Industrial Development Agency.
- Improving life in Fife with things like the Fife Community Center, which offers activities and support for all ages.
Conclusion
Fife, a town in New York State, faces the challenge of being one of the most violent and dangerous places in the state and even the nation. This is mainly due to factors like poverty, unemployment, drug issues, and gang activity. Despite these challenges, there are efforts and programs in place to improve safety and the overall quality of life in Fife. While changing its reputation won’t happen overnight, there’s hope that with perseverance, Fife can overcome its obstacles and realize its potential in the long run.