Is Auburn or Buffalo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 53/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,588 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 65% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 10.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Buffalo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,587.6 | 4,516.5 | -2,928.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 245.2 | 706.9 | -461.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 12.4 | -12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 50.6 | 43.5 | +7.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.5 | 157.8 | -138.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 175.1 | 492.5 | -317.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,342.5 | 3,809.6 | -2,467.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 112.8 | 438.0 | -325.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,171.3 | 2,573.4 | -1,402.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 58.4 | 798.2 | -739.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Buffalo safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,588 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 245.2 per 100K while Buffalo has 706.9. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, NY
Nestled at the north end of Owasco Lake, Auburn is home to the historic Seward House, once inhabited by William H. Seward. This Cayuga County city has a population of around 26,000 residents. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 25,699, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,587.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and stunning architecture by masters like Frank Lloyd Wright. As the second-largest city in New York, it experiences distinct seasons, including significant snowfall. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 273,728, Buffalo has a total crime rate of 4,516.5 per 100,000 residents.