Is Buffalo or Lackawanna Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lackawanna is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 42/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 57% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lackawanna has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 14.0x 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
Lackawanna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Lackawanna, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Lackawanna | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,955.5 | +2,561.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 395.2 | +311.7 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 5.1 | +7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 46.2 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 41.1 | +116.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 302.8 | +189.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,560.3 | +2,249.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 184.8 | +253.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,190.7 | +1,382.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 184.8 | +613.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Lackawanna safer?
Lackawanna is safer with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Lackawanna has 395.2. Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna, NY
Lackawanna, NY, historically a steel town, sits on Lake Erie just south of Buffalo. Its population is diverse, with a significant Arab-American community. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 19,484, Lackawanna has a total crime rate of 1,955.5 per 100,000 residents.