Is Buffalo or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 11% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Buffalo has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 9.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 4,012.2 | +504.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 539.9 | +167.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 17.5 | -5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 58.8 | -15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 335.3 | -177.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 128.3 | +364.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 3,472.4 | +337.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 294.8 | +143.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,318.8 | +254.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 858.9 | -60.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Chicago safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago 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 6/100 and a population coverage of 273,728, Buffalo has a total crime rate of 4,516.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.