Is Buffalo or Cincinnati Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Buffalo is safer than Cincinnati (Safety Score 5/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100,000 versus 4,678 for Cincinnati — 3% lower. Buffalo has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Buffalo has a 43% lower rate.
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cincinnati — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Cincinnati, OH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Cincinnati | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 4,677.8 | -161.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 848.5 | -141.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 21.8 | -9.4 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 57.1 | -13.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 231.7 | -73.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 535.0 | -42.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 3,829.3 | -19.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 548.5 | -110.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,395.1 | +178.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 885.8 | -87.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Cincinnati safer?
Buffalo is safer with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100K vs 4,678 for Cincinnati — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Cincinnati has 848.5. Buffalo 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 Cincinnati, OH
Nestled along the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city of historic architecture, including the iconic Music Hall. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Midwestern industriousness and Southern charm. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 311,599, Cincinnati has a total crime rate of 4,677.8 per 100,000 residents.