This site examines whether New York City's 2022 crime data reflects a pattern criminologists have studied for nearly two centuries: that violent crime rises disproportionately in summer months compared to property crime. Using NYPD's own monthly statistics, this analysis finds that the data largely supports that pattern.
Key takeaways
- Felony assault rose 52.5% from February (the year's lowest month) to July (the year's peak), the sharpest increase of any crime category.
- Property crime rose far less. Burglary increased only 11.1% over the same period, less than a quarter of felony assault's increase.
- This pattern fits established criminology research: warmer months create more opportunities for interpersonal conflict, disproportionately driving up violent crime specifically.
| Month | Murder | Rape | Robbery | Felony Assault | Burglary | Grand Larceny | Grand Larceny Auto | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 | 128 | 1,251 | 1,736 | 1,189 | 4,047 | 1,187 | 9,566 |
| February | 36 | 140 | 1,290 | 1,725 | 1,224 | 3,815 | 1,074 | 9,304 |
| July | 51 | 150 | 1,752 | 2,631 | 1,360 | 4,634 | 1,260 | 11,838 |
| August | 27 | 144 | 1,630 | 2,303 | 1,356 | 4,687 | 1,210 | 11,357 |
See all 12 months on the Data and Analysis page.
