U.S. News ranks it eighth safest in nation
U.S. News & World Report earlier this month named Putnam County the eighth safest county of nearly 3,000 in the nation based on factors such as violent and property crime rates, vehicle crash injuries, spending on emergency services and proximity to medical facilities.
The list of the “25 safest communities in America” included eight counties in New York state, including Rockland, Westchester and Putnam in the top 10 and Nassau County on Long Island at No. 1.
According to data highlighted by the governor’s office, reported crime statewide has dropped 6 percent since 2023, including 26 percent in Rockland County and 8 percent in Westchester. Putnam showed a 15 percent drop from 2022 to 2023, the most recent figures available.
U.S. News noted that Putnam spent $478 per capita on health and emergency services and performed best in the violent crime rate. Nassau spent $1,148 per capita, followed by Rockland at $1,090 and Westchester at $902.
