| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Buffalo/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 13,626 | n/a (estimate) | 4,938 | 2,188 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 39 | n/a | 14.1 | 3.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 117 | n/a | 42.4 | 25.0 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 500 | n/a | 181.2 | 105.1 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 1,425 | n/a | 516.5 | 256.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,081 | n/a (estimate) | 754 | 390 | 364 |
| Burglary | 1,349 | n/a | 488.9 | 152.8 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 6,372 | n/a | 2,309.4 | 1,463.7 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 3,824 | n/a | 1,385.9 | 182.1 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 11,545 | n/a (estimate) | 4,184 | 1,799 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Buffalo crime rate is 69.8% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Buffalo, there were 2030 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 736 per 100,000 individuals, 99.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Buffalo recorded 8852 property crimes, amounting to 3211 per 100,000 residents, 64.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Buffalo ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 736 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Buffalo stand at 1 in every 136 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Buffalo ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Buffalo, there were a total of 67 murders, translating to 24 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Buffalo faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 1523 vehicle thefts, translating to 552 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Buffalo in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 182.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Buffalo residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 185 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 24% of Buffalo residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 76% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
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 70% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Buffalo experiences an average of 29.81 daily crimes, comprising 5.56 violent incidents and 24.25 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Buffalo. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Buffalo has increased by 7.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 15.2%, while property crime has increased by 14.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Buffalo.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Buffalo, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 50 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Buffalo are areas such as South Abbott, Albright and North Park, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Emerson, Grider and Mlk Park are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Buffalo currently has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 6335.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
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 17.6% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Buffalo | New York | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 923 | 109,351 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 | 3,806 | 81 | 376 | 457 |
| Billington Heights, NY | 1,503 | 104 | 479 | 583 |
| Clarence Center, NY | 3,211 | 119 | 550 | 669 |
| Clarence, NY | 2,238 | 135 | 624 | 759 |
| Orchard Park, NY | 3,131 | 158 | 727 | 884 |
| Town Line, NY | 1,752 | 159 | 733 | 891 |
| Lancaster, NY | 10,087 | 56 | 925 | 981 |
| Buffalo, NY | 255,805 | 754 | 4,184 | 4,938 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 254,995 | 166 | 2,209 | 2,375 |
| Lubbock, TX | 257,013 | 853 | 3,129 | 3,981 |
| Chandler, AZ | 257,076 | 174 | 1,444 | 1,618 |
| Madison, WI | 258,366 | 301 | 2,335 | 2,636 |
| Laredo, TX | 260,571 | 426 | 1,367 | 1,792 |
| Buffalo, NY | 255,805 | 754 | 4,184 | 4,938 |
Here are the best places to live in New York
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in New York
Safest States In The US
These are the largest cities in New York