Is Buffalo or Niagara Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Niagara Falls is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 15/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,309 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 27% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Niagara Falls has a 49% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 5.8x 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
Niagara Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Niagara Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 3,309.0 | +1,207.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 501.1 | +205.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 6.3 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 8.5 | +35.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 93.0 | +64.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 393.3 | +99.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 2,807.9 | +1,001.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 327.7 | +110.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,188.4 | +385.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 291.8 | +506.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Niagara Falls safer?
Niagara Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 3,309 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Niagara Falls has 501.1. Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls, NY, home to the iconic Horseshoe Falls, is a city in Western New York with a population of over 47,000. It was once a major industrial hub, particularly for electrochemical production. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 47,296, Niagara Falls has a total crime rate of 3,309.0 per 100,000 residents.