| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Buffalo/100k people | Minnesota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 125 | n/a (estimate) | 756 | 2,247 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 57.0 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 12.1 | 179.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 12 | 281 | 370 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 72.6 | 214.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 99 | n/a | 598.9 | 1,464.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 72.6 | 287.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 123 | n/a (estimate) | 744 | 1,967 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Buffalo is 67.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes reported in Buffalo, equivalent to 12 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 96.7%. Additionally, Buffalo recorded 123 property crimes, amounting to 744 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 61.9%.
With a crime rate of 756, significantly below the national average of 2324, Buffalo stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Buffalo distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 12 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Buffalo among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Buffalo reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Buffalo residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 43% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Buffalo were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 57% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Buffalo a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Buffalo crime rate is 67% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.34 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.34 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Buffalo crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Buffalo has decreased by 8.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 66.7% and property crime has decreased by 6.1%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Buffalo crime rates. The population density in Buffalo is 2114.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Buffalo, the cost of living is 4.2% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Buffalo has a median home price of $206,800, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Buffalo | Minnesota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 7,759 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Minnesota /100K | National /100K |
| Minnesota | 1,283 | 26 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Big Lake, MN | 11,085 | 55 | 253 | 309 |
| Howard Lake, MN | 1,897 | 92 | 230 | 323 |
| Greenfield, MN | 3,013 | 44 | 309 | 353 |
| Corcoran, MN | 6,113 | 27 | 343 | 370 |
| Independence, MN | 3,778 | 54 | 375 | 428 |
| Long Lake, MN | 1,779 | 62 | 435 | 497 |
| Medina, MN | 6,549 | 44 | 503 | 548 |
| Buffalo, MN | 16,413 | 12 | 744 | 756 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Palmetto Estates, FL | 16,419 | 307 | 1,855 | 2,162 |
| Vincent, CA | 16,405 | 614 | 2,876 | 3,490 |
| Ammon, ID | 16,403 | 219 | 840 | 1,059 |
| East Riverdale, MD | 16,395 | 550 | 2,261 | 2,812 |
| Troutdale, OR | 16,433 | 364 | 3,121 | 3,484 |
| Buffalo, MN | 16,413 | 12 | 744 | 756 |
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