Long Island Crime Statistics (Nassau & Suffolk)
Long Island, New York, made up of Nassau County and Suffolk County, is home to more than 2.8 million residents. Understanding local crime patterns is important for community members, policymakers, and visitors alike. This page presents the most reliable, government-sourced data on crime across both counties.
All statistics below are drawn from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Index Crime dataset, which tracks the major categories of violent and property crimes. We include a snapshot of the most recent complete year, multi-year trends, and county-level breakdowns.
For clarity: “Index Crimes” include violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft). Rates are presented per 100,000 residents, based on U.S. Census population estimates.
Long Island Crime (2022, Finalized)
| Area | Population | Total Index Crimes | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Crime Rate (per 100k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island (total) | ~2,820,000 | 35,212 | 4,352 | 30,860 | 1,249 |
| Nassau County | ~1,355,000 | 14,775 | 1,612 | 13,163 | 1,090 |
| Suffolk County | ~1,465,000 | 20,437 | 2,740 | 17,697 | 1,395 |
Ten-Year Trend (2013–2022)
| Year | Nassau Total | Suffolk Total | Long Island Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20,190 | 25,985 | 46,175 |
| 2014 | 19,320 | 25,107 | 44,427 |
| 2015 | 18,442 | 23,866 | 42,308 |
| 2016 | 17,965 | 22,431 | 40,396 |
| 2017 | 17,421 | 21,707 | 39,128 |
| 2018 | 16,889 | 21,012 | 37,901 |
| 2019 | 16,402 | 20,445 | 36,847 |
| 2020 | 15,872 | 19,877 | 35,749 |
| 2021 | 15,290 | 19,665 | 34,955 |
| 2022 | 14,775 | 20,437 | 35,212 |
Source: NYS DCJS Index Crimes by County and Agency (1990–2022).
County Details (2022)
Nassau County
- Population: ~1.36 million
- Total Index Crimes: 14,775
- Violent: 1,612
- Property: 13,163
- Rate per 100k: 1,090
Crime in Nassau has gradually declined over the past decade, reaching its lowest point in 2022. Larceny remains the largest category, followed by burglary. The county’s violent crime rate remains well below state and national averages.
Suffolk County
- Population: ~1.47 million
- Total Index Crimes: 20,437
- Violent: 2,740
- Property: 17,697
- Rate per 100k: 1,395
Suffolk continues to record higher overall crime numbers than Nassau, primarily due to its larger population and higher rates of property crime. Violent crime represents a slightly larger share of Suffolk’s total when compared with Nassau.
Methodology
- Data source: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Index Crimes dataset.
- Final vs. preliminary: Each year’s data are first released as preliminary in spring, then finalized in fall. This page uses final 2022 statistics.
- Population estimates: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS).
- Rates: (Crime count ÷ Population) × 100,000.
- Scope: Includes Nassau County (Nassau County PD, Glen Cove PD, Long Beach PD) and Suffolk County (Suffolk County PD, village departments, NYSP where relevant).
FAQ
Q: Why does this page use DCJS data instead of FBI reports?
A: DCJS provides the most complete and consistent record for New York State, reconciling all local agency submissions. FBI data can sometimes undercount when agencies transition systems.
Q: Why present rates instead of raw counts?
A: Rates account for population differences, making it possible to compare areas fairly over time.
Q: How often is this updated?
A: DCJS finalizes each year’s statistics in the fall of the following year. This page is updated periodically when significant new data becomes available.
Q: Are these numbers the same as “reported crime”?
A: Yes – Index Crime statistics reflect offenses reported to police. They may not capture every incident, since not all crimes are reported.
