A+
92%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
76%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
95%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBuffalo/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime2n/a (estimate)1731,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape0n/a0.035.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.018.760.6
Assault1n/a86.3187.2256.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)86243359
Burglary0n/a0.0199.1229.2
Theft1n/a86.3962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0135.1258.8
Property crime1n/a (estimate)861,2971,760

Buffalo crime map

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The Buffalo crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Buffalo as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Buffalo crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Buffalo crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Buffalo, IA

The Buffalo crime rates are 91.9% 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 1 violent crimes in Buffalo (86 per 100,000 people), which is 76% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1 property crimes (86 per 100,000 residents) which is 95.1% lower than average.

Buffalo enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 173, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Buffalo as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Buffalo stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 86 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Buffalo secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new 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.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Buffalo has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 86 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Buffalo remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Buffalo was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Buffalo a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Buffalo, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Buffalo presents a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Buffalo experiences an average of 0.01 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Buffalo

Buffalo has a population density of 165.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Buffalo crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Buffalo, 84.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Buffalo, the cost of living is 14.25% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Compare Buffalo, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Buffalo crime rates are 92% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Buffalo are 76% lower than the national average
      • In Buffalo you have a 1 in 580 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Buffalo is safer than 85% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Buffalo has decreased by 60%

      Buffalo, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Buffalo (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Buffalo (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Buffalo

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Buffalo is 1 in 1159
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Buffalo is 1 in 1159
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Buffalo is 1 in 580

        Year Over Year Crime In Buffalo (per 100,000 people)

        Buffalo police department

        Item Buffalo Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a3,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a1.83.3

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Blue Grass, IA2,108000
        Durant, IA1,94456167223
        Walcott, IA1,868129129259
        Eldridge, IA6,94144334378
        Coyne Center, IL1,12692544636
        Riverdale, IA458114608722
        Andalusia, IL1,153105622726
        Buffalo, IA1,1188686173

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ashland Heights, SD1,118138606744
        Bronson, FL1,118120640761
        Muldraugh, KY1,11899696795
        Santa Anna, TX1,118193193386
        Golden Valley, NV1,11956308365
        Buffalo, IA1,1188686173
        Source: The Buffalo, IA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.