| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Buffalo/100k people | New York/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12,361 | n/a (estimate) | 4,516 | 2,100 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 34 | n/a | 12.4 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 119 | n/a | 43.5 | 21.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 432 | n/a | 157.8 | 96.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,348 | n/a | 492.5 | 259.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,933 | n/a (estimate) | 706 | 380 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,199 | n/a | 438.0 | 136.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7,044 | n/a | 2,573.4 | 1,432.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,185 | n/a | 798.2 | 150.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 10,428 | n/a (estimate) | 3,810 | 1,720 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Buffalo crime rate is 113.1% 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 1933 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 706 per 100,000 individuals, 96.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, Buffalo recorded 10428 property crimes, amounting to 3810 per 100,000 residents, 116.4% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 4516 per 100,000 residents, Buffalo has a crime rate that is 113.09% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Buffalo that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Buffalo ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 706 per 100,000 people, Buffalo is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 142 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Buffalo, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Buffalo stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Buffalo, there were a total of 34 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Buffalo reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3810 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Buffalo, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Buffalo has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Buffalo reported 2185 vehicle thefts, which equates to 798 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Buffalo is 1 in 126.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Buffalo residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 195 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 26% 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, 74% 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 113% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Buffalo experiences an average of 33.87 daily crimes, comprising 5.3 violent incidents and 28.57 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 21.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 19.3%, while property crime has increased by 34.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Buffalo.
The Buffalo area comprises a diverse array of over 52 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: South Abbott, Albright and North Park which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Emerson, Grider and Mlk Park exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Buffalo neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
In Buffalo, 77.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Buffalo, the cost of living is 12.96% lower than the national average.
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 $183,992, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| 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 | 3,902 | 79 | 359 | 438 |
| Billington Heights, NY | 1,550 | 101 | 458 | 560 |
| Clarence Center, NY | 3,300 | 116 | 525 | 642 |
| Clarence, NY | 2,283 | 132 | 596 | 728 |
| Orchard Park, NY | 3,242 | 154 | 695 | 848 |
| Town Line, NY | 1,821 | 155 | 700 | 855 |
| North Boston, NY | 2,498 | 179 | 808 | 987 |
| Buffalo, NY | 262,656 | 706 | 3,810 | 4,516 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 261,070 | 153 | 1,875 | 2,028 |
| Lubbock, TX | 266,541 | 821 | 2,629 | 3,450 |
| Reno, NV | 258,532 | 530 | 2,445 | 2,975 |
| Madison, WI | 266,829 | 256 | 1,865 | 2,121 |
| Chandler, AZ | 266,863 | 133 | 1,504 | 1,638 |
| Buffalo, NY | 262,656 | 706 | 3,810 | 4,516 |
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