Crime Rates and Statistics in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo is one of the Northeast’s most recognizable cities, known for its rich industrial heritage, passionate sports culture, historic neighborhoods, and a metro area that stretches beyond the city along the shores of Lake Erie.

For people comparing neighborhoods, buying a home, or planning a move, crime data is often part of the decision-making process. It also helps explain why many residents look into home security in Buffalo when thinking about how to protect their homes, vehicles, and families. Recent source data shows Buffalo’s crime rates remain above national averages, although several major categories have improved year over year.

With a total crime index of two — with 100 being the safest — Buffalo is safer than just 2% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which includes information from multiple sources. With some 277,000 residents, here’s how this city looks crime-wise compared to some other U.S. municipalities of its size.

Violent Crime in Buffalo

The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Buffalo is one in 142. Of the 12,682 crimes reported in Buffalo over the most recent 12-month period, 1,951 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.

By comparison, Reno, Nevada, has similar issues. Reno has about 281,000 residents and a TCI of seven. If you’re there, there’s a one in 186 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of the 8,596 crimes reported, 1,516 were violent.

Then there is St. Petersburg, Florida, with more than 267,000 residents and a total crime index of seven. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 163. Of 8,158 crimes reported over 12 months, 1,642 were in the violent category.

But in Gilbert, Arizona, a city with a population of nearly 288,000 and a TCI of 38, 367 of its 3,054 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 787 chance of victimization.

Property Crime in Buffalo

Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Buffalo, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 26 — for a rate of 38.79 per 1,000 residents. There were 12,682 crimes logged over 12 months, 10,731 of which were property crimes.

Compare Buffalo’s data with that of Reno, where you have a one in 40 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 25.13 per 1,000 residents. Princeton reported 7,080 property crimes over 12 months — 883 of them burglaries.

As for St. Petersburg’s property crime picture, you have a one in 41 chance of victimization. Of all the 8,158 crimes in St. Petersburg, 6,516 were in the property category.

In Gilbert, meanwhile, there’s a one in 107 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 9.30 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 3,054 crimes, 2,687 were property crimes.

Buffalo’s Police Department 

The Buffalo Police Department was established in 1871. The department is proud to have 1multiple units overseeing the city’s safety, including a homicide squad, internal affairs division, narcotics division, special victims unit, and behavioral health team. They work to uphold federal, state, and local laws by answering hundreds of calls each year. Their headquarters can be found at 68 Court Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.

How to Stay Safe

Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police, like those in the Buffalo area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.

With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.

In Summary 

Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of violent crimes, in particular, are higher in Buffalo. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock.