| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Tonawanda/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,695 | n/a (estimate) | 1,695 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 13.5 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 33.7 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 6.7 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 57 | n/a | 114.7 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 82 | n/a (estimate) | 82 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 185 | n/a | 121.4 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,121 | n/a | 897.1 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 307 | n/a | 114.7 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,613 | n/a (estimate) | 1,613 | 1,720 | 1,760 |

The Tonawanda crime rates are 20% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 46 violent crimes in Tonawanda (82 per 100,000 people), which is 77.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 905 property crimes (1613 per 100,000 residents) which is 8.4% lower than average.
Tonawanda stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Tonawanda secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Tonawanda registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Tonawanda is very similar to the national average. Tonawanda had a property crime rate of 1613, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What do the local residents think about crime in Tonawanda? Well, based on a recent survey of 16 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Tonawanda residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Tonawanda is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Tonawanda has a total crime rate that is 20% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.61 daily crimes (0.13 violent daily crimes and 2.48 daily property crimes) in Tonawanda.
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 Tonawanda 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 Tonawanda has increased by 186.5% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has increased by 216.4%.
Tonawanda has a poverty rate that stands at 10.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Tonawanda crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Tonawanda crime rates. For instance, in Tonawanda, the population density stands at 881.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Tonawanda, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Tonawanda | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New York /100K | National /100K |
| New York | 25,064 | 137 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Elma Center, NY | 3,902 | 79 | 359 | 438 |
| Clarence Center, NY | 3,300 | 116 | 525 | 642 |
| Clarence, NY | 2,283 | 132 | 596 | 728 |
| Lewiston, NY | 2,668 | 160 | 723 | 883 |
| Sanborn, NY | 1,201 | 174 | 788 | 962 |
| Lancaster, NY | 10,349 | 43 | 957 | 1,000 |
| North Tonawanda, NY | 31,006 | 154 | 1,087 | 1,241 |
| Tonawanda, NY | 15,243 | 169 | 1,133 | 1,302 |
| Tonawanda, NY | 15,243 | 82 | 1,613 | 1,695 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Vernon, IL | 15,250 | 247 | 1,089 | 1,336 |
| Hobe Sound, FL | 15,254 | 152 | 806 | 958 |
| El Sobrante, CA | 15,231 | 298 | 1,274 | 1,572 |
| Susanville, CA | 15,230 | 687 | 1,151 | 1,838 |
| Jennings, MO | 15,259 | 638 | 2,679 | 3,317 |
| Tonawanda, NY | 15,243 | 169 | 1,133 | 1,302 |
| Tonawanda, NY | 15,243 | 82 | 1,613 | 1,695 |