NYC Drug Overdose Statistics (2024)
The latest verified data on drug overdose deaths in New York City — with sources.
2024 NYC Overdose Data
New York City recorded approximately 2,192 drug overdose deaths in 2024, a significant decline of roughly 28% from 2023. This was the first year-over-year decline NYC has seen since 2018, likely driven by expanded naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strip access, and the scale-up of medication-assisted treatment.
Despite the drop, the crisis remains severe. Every 4 hours, on average, a New Yorker dies from a drug overdose. Since 2016, nearly 20,000 New Yorkers have died.
Fentanyl and Xylazine
Fentanyl was involved in 73% of all NYC overdose deaths in 2024. Xylazine — a veterinary sedative that Narcan cannot reverse — was involved in approximately 21% of deaths, a sharp increase from prior years.
Borough-Level Data
The Bronx continues to have the highest overdose death rate in NYC, followed by parts of Upper Manhattan (including Harlem) and Central Brooklyn. Manhattan overall has the second-highest rate among the five boroughs.
Source
Primary source: NYC Mayor's Office / NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, October 2025. View the original press release.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are overdose deaths still increasing in NYC?
As of the most recent data, overdose deaths declined in 2024 by about 28% from 2023. This is the first decline in several years.
What is the biggest driver of overdose deaths in NYC?
Fentanyl — involved in 73% of NYC overdose deaths in 2024. Xylazine contamination is a growing concern.