Buffalo crime rate is important to know, whether you’re a resident, visitor, or someone interested in the city’s safety.
Crime statistics help show what’s happening in the city, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that still exist.
Today, we’ll take a close look at the most important crime rate statistics in Buffalo for 2024.
You’ll get a clear picture of the trends, how they compare to previous years, and what these numbers mean for the city’s future.
Without further ado, let us begin.
Key Takeaways:
- Buffalo has a high crime rate of 3,947 incidents per 100k people, making it one of the more dangerous cities in New York State.
- Buffalo’s violent crime rate is a major concern, with 736 incidents per 100,000 people.
- Property crimes, including burglary, theft, and auto theft, are also persistent issues, with a rate of 3,211 per 100,000 people.
- While Buffalo has seen some declines in crime since the late 20th century, certain categories, like theft and auto theft, remain stubbornly high
- Buffalo’s crime rates are higher than those in nearby cities like Niagara Falls and Rochester.
Buffalo Crime Rate Overview
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| Type | Reported incidents | Buffalo/100k people |
|---|---|---|
| Total crime | 10,882 | 3947.0 |
| Murder | 67 | 24.3 |
| Rape | 110 | 39.9 |
| Robbery | 533 | 193.3 |
| Assault | 1,320 | 478.8 |
| Violent crime | 2,030 | 736.0 |
| Burglary | 1,324 | 480.2 |
| Theft | 6,005 | 2178.0 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,523 | 552.4 |
| Property crime | 8,852 | 3211.0 |
Safety in Buffalo remains a significant concern, with the city having a crime rate of 3,947 per 100k population, according to AreaVibes.
The overall crime index for the city sits at a relatively high level, indicating that safety is a key issue for those living in or visiting the area.
Buffalo’s crime index shows an increase when compared to the state average, placing it among the more dangerous cities in New York State.
In fact, as HudsonValleyPost writes, Buffalo is the most dangerous city in the state of New York.
When compared to state averages, Buffalo’s crime rate is notably higher, by 70%. For instance, violent crime rates, which include offenses such as robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide, are well above the national median.
Property crimes like burglary, theft, and auto theft are also a persistent problem, further contributing to the overall crime index.
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime remains one of the most pressing issues in Buffalo. In 2024, the city continues to struggle with high incidents of violent offenses.
Homicides, in particular, have been a serious concern.
With 39 recorded incidents in 2023, the trend has shown little improvement in subsequent years, according to InvestigativePost.
Murder rates remain high, and this persistent issue highlights the need for enhanced law enforcement strategies and crime prevention measures.
Incidents involving armed theft and force, pose a substantial threat to personal safety.
Aggravated assault also remains a major issue, with a high percentage of cases involving the use of weapons.
All in all, the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime rate in Buffalo is 1 in 134, as per NeighborhoodScout.
As Buffalo works to address these challenges, it’s crucial to focus on both:
- Law enforcement efforts
- Community-based initiatives
There is one good news that should be pointed out. Buffalo violent crimes dropped by 20% since 2021, as WIVB4 writes.
Property Crime Statistics
Buffalo’s property crime statistics present a sobering picture of the city’s ongoing struggles, with the property crime rate being 33.40 per 100,000.
Burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, and arson incidents continue to occur at a significant rate, making the city’s residents and businesses vulnerable to these offenses.
The situation regarding auto thefts was particularly interesting since Kia and Hyundai made between 57% and 67% of all car thefts in 2023.
Burglary remains a common issue in Buffalo, with incidents often targeting homes and small businesses.
Arson, while less common than other property crimes, still poses a significant risk to property and public safety.
Crime Trends Over the Years
The crime trends in Buffalo show both short-term fluctuations and longer-term patterns that reflect the changing nature of safety in the city.
- The Buffalo homicide rate for 2018 was 22.07 per 100k population, a 41.38% increase
- The Buffalo homicide rate for 2017 was 15.61 per 100k population, an 8.66% decline
- The Buffalo homicide rate for 2016 was 17.09 per 100k population, a 7.55% increase
- The Buffalo homicide rate for 2015 was 15.89 per 100k population, a 31.57% decline
These days, violent crimes such as assault and robbery have seen a gradual increase, though not as sharp as in the early 2000s.
From 2022 to 2023, crime rates saw a marginal increase. The rise can be attributed to multiple factors, including:
- Economic challenges
- Population shifts
- Decreased law enforcement resources
While crime in Buffalo has generally declined since its peak years in the late 20th century, certain categories, like theft and auto theft, have stubbornly remained issues.
Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention
Buffalo’s law enforcement agencies face an uphill battle in controlling crime, and much of this challenge lies in the city’s resources.
The Buffalo Police Department has seen changes in staffing levels over the years, with limited manpower often cited as a barrier to effective crime control.
Budget constraints have also restricted the department’s ability to implement advanced crime-fighting technologies or more comprehensive patrols.
Despite these obstacles, the police force continues to focus on community engagement and targeted policing to reduce crime in key areas.
Crime prevention strategies for residents and visitors alike emphasize awareness and precaution.
Simple actions can be of great help in this case, like avoiding high-risk areas after dark and securing homes with:
- Reliable locks
- Alarm systems
The police also recommend staying vigilant in public places, particularly in neighborhoods with higher crime rates, like:
| Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson | 2,108 | 31.28 | 50.57 |
| Broadway-Fillmore | 8,749 | 21.32 | 42.63 |
| Babcock | 3,029 | 12.01 | 34.48 |
| Squaw Island | 4,62 | 16.29 | 49.29 |
| Medical Park | 2,102 | 20.58 | 55.24 |
| Genesee Moselle | 3,764 | 19.52 | 32.98 |
| MLK Park | 2,942 | 23.54 | 38.91 |
| Masten Park | 2,465 | 21.88 | 37.89 |
| Valley | 685 | 479 | 19.40 |
| Grider | 5,495 | 25.29 | 33.25 |
Reporting suspicious activities and maintaining good communication with local law enforcement can help the community work together to address crime more effectively.
Buffalo’s residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs and other community-led safety initiatives.
These programs are vital in fostering a sense of shared responsibility for public safety, potentially leading to a reduction in both violent and property crime in the future.
Buffalo’s Crime Ranking Among Nearby Cities and Major U.S. Cities
When compared to nearby cities and other major U.S. cities, Buffalo’s crime rate is relatively high but not the worst.
The city’s crime index places it above the national average, and its crime rates, particularly violent crime, are significantly higher than some of its neighboring cities:
| City | Crime Index | Violent Crime Rate (Relative to Buffalo) | Property Crime Rate (Relative to Buffalo) | General Safety Compared to Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, Ohio | High | Higher (more frequent homicide, assault) | Similar | Less safe |
| Detroit, Michigan | Very High | Nearly double | Higher | Much less safe |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Lower | Lower | Lower | Safer |
| Niagara Falls, NY | Lower | Slightly lower | Similar | Slightly safer |
| Rochester, NY | Similar | Slightly higher | Similar | Slightly less safe |
| Erie, Pennsylvania | Lower | Lower | Lower | Safer |
Methodology
The article uses a variety of trusted data sources to compile the most important crime rate statistics for Buffalo in 2024. Among the primary sources is the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, a national database that provides detailed crime statistics, helping to compare Buffalo’s rates with both state and national averages.
In addition, data from the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) offers specific insights into incidents that occurred in the city throughout 2023 and early 2024.
AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout, two online tools that provide up-to-date crime data per 100,000 residents, contribute information that allows comparisons between Buffalo and other cities across the U.S.
For qualitative context, investigative journalism sources like InvestigativePost and WIVB4 were utilized to gather reports on crime trends and key incidents.
Lastly, reports from HudsonValleyPost and CNN offer insights into Buffalo’s crime ranking within New York State, as well as trends in national crime rates, contributing a broader perspective to the city’s position in 2024.
Summary
Buffalo’s crime statistics for 2024 show both positive changes and areas that still need work.
While some crimes have decreased, others, especially violent crimes, remain a concern for the community.
Addressing crime will be key to ensuring a better, safer future for everyone living and working in the city.
