How Many Rats Live in New York?

New Yorkers are often asked, “How many rats live in New York?” This question is one that’s asked year after year. Out-of-state visitors are fascinated by all things NYC. Some questions are common, such as: “How do you get to the subway?” Others are unique.

While it’s not easy to know exactly how many rats live in New York City, recent studies have shed light on their habits and numbers. Some estimates suggest that there are around two million rats living in the city. But this estimate is based on a small sample of sightings, not the total population of the city.

Most of the rats in New York are Norway rats, which live about a year and can produce three to 12 litters of pups. These rodents are large, with a length of 16 inches from the nose to the tail. They can squeeze through half-inch gaps. Unlike humans, rats don’t need a lot of food, living on about an ounce of food per day.

The number of rats in New York is increasing at an alarming rate. Rats have a large population in the city, outnumbering humans by two to one. They are not only dangerous, but also prone to diseases and may be carrying bacteria that can infect humans. As a result, the city is working hard to reduce their numbers.