Is Buffalo or Kingston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kingston is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 40/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 56% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kingston has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 11.5x 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
Kingston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Kingston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,995.4 | +2,521.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 350.2 | +356.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 4.2 | +8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 80.2 | -36.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 84.4 | +73.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 181.4 | +311.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,645.3 | +2,164.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 164.5 | +273.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,455.5 | +1,117.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 25.3 | +772.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Kingston safer?
Kingston is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Kingston has 350.2. Kingston 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 Kingston, NY
Kingston, NY, a former state capital, sits along the Hudson River. Its historic Stockade District, with stone houses, reflects its Dutch colonial past, while its population of around 24,000 residents adds to its small-city character. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 23,704, Kingston has a total crime rate of 1,995.4 per 100,000 residents.