Is Buffalo or Canandaigua Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Canandaigua is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 48/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,740 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 61% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Canandaigua has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 26.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Canandaigua — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Canandaigua, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Canandaigua | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,739.8 | +2,776.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 248.5 | +458.4 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 0.0 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 86.0 | -42.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 9.6 | +148.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 153.0 | +339.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,491.3 | +2,318.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 153.0 | +285.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,271.4 | +1,302.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 66.9 | +731.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Canandaigua safer?
Canandaigua is safer with a total crime rate of 1,740 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Canandaigua has 248.5. Canandaigua has lower violent crime.
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.
About Canandaigua, NY
Canandaigua, a Finger Lakes city, is known for its lake and as the birthplace of Susan B. Anthony. Its population hovers around 10,000. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 10,461, Canandaigua has a total crime rate of 1,739.8 per 100,000 residents.