Is Buffalo or Jamestown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jamestown is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 20/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,939 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 35% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Jamestown has a 45% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 9.9x 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
Jamestown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Jamestown, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Jamestown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 2,938.5 | +1,578.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 623.8 | +83.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 18.0 | -5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 79.3 | -35.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 86.5 | +71.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 436.3 | +56.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 2,314.8 | +1,494.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 447.1 | -9.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,802.8 | +770.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 64.9 | +733.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Jamestown safer?
Jamestown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,939 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Jamestown has 623.8. Jamestown 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 Jamestown, NY
Jamestown, New York, a city in Chautauqua County, is famously the hometown of Lucille Ball. Nestled in the southwestern corner of New York State, it sits on the southern end of Chautauqua Lake. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 27,735, Jamestown has a total crime rate of 2,938.5 per 100,000 residents.