A+
94%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
97%
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 peopleNew Buffalo/100k peopleMichigan/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime2n/a (estimate)1181,8132,119
Murder1n/a59.25.25.0
Rape0n/a0.056.537.5
Robbery0n/a0.031.360.6
Assault0n/a0.0341.3256.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)59434359
Burglary0n/a0.0184.2229.2
Theft1n/a59.2963.61,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0231.0258.8
Property crime1n/a (estimate)591,3791,760
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Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in New Buffalo, MI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the New Buffalo crime rate is 61.6% lower 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 New Buffalo, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 119 per 100,000 individuals, 67.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, New Buffalo recorded 13 property crimes, amounting to 774 per 100,000 residents, 60.4% lower than the U.S. average.

New Buffalo distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes New Buffalo among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

During the most recently reported crime year, New Buffalo experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in New Buffalo?

What is the prevailing sentiment among New Buffalo residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 71% of New 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, 29% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is New Buffalo a Safe Place to Live?

Is New Buffalo a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, New Buffalo has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 62%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.04 daily incidents, encompassing 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of New Buffalo as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in New Buffalo Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in New Buffalo. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in New Buffalo has decreased by 34.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 40.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in New Buffalo

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower New Buffalo crime rate. The poverty level in New Buffalo is 9.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In New Buffalo, the cost of living is 5.39% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased 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. New Buffalo has a median home price of $223,800, 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.

New Buffalo crime map



The New Buffalo crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in New 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 New Buffalo crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the New 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.

Compare New Buffalo, MI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • New Buffalo crime rates are 94% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in New Buffalo are 84% lower than the national average
      • In New Buffalo you have a 1 in 845 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • New Buffalo is safer than 76% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in New Buffalo has decreased by 89%

      New Buffalo, MI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around New Buffalo

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        Daily Crime In New Buffalo (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is New Buffalo (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in New Buffalo

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in New Buffalo is 1 in 1689
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in New Buffalo is 1 in 1689
        The chance of being a victim of crime in New Buffalo is 1 in 845

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

        New Buffalo police department

        Item New Buffalo Michigan National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)810,515558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.22.13.3
        There are a total of 8 New Buffalo police officers. This results in 4.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 105.3% greater than the Michigan average and 30.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Michigan

        State Total offenders Michigan /100K National /100K
        Michigan40,460414266
        There are a total of 40,460 sex offenders in Michigan. This yields a total of 414 sex offenders in Michigan per 100,000 residents which is 56% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Long Beach, IN1,02444194237
        Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, MI1,50161194254
        Trail Creek, IN1,91987382468
        New Carlisle, IN2,169113496608
        Bridgman, MI2,41649588637
        Three Oaks, MI1,347145507652
        Michiana Shores, IN349126557684
        New Buffalo, MI1,6135959118

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Sharon, WI1,61364257321
        Nescopeck, PA1,613101587688
        Decatur, TN1,6123032,3022,604
        Huntington Bay, NY1,61453241295
        Arnaudville, LA1,6142631,1601,423
        New Buffalo, MI1,6135959118
        Source: The New Buffalo, MI 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.