Is Buffalo or North Tonawanda Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Tonawanda is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 65/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,241 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 73% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Tonawanda has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 9.2x 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
North Tonawanda — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
North Tonawanda, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | North Tonawanda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,240.9 | +3,275.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 153.9 | +553.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 0.0 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 20.1 | +23.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 16.7 | +141.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 117.1 | +375.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,087.0 | +2,722.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 123.8 | +314.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 846.2 | +1,727.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 117.1 | +681.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or North Tonawanda safer?
North Tonawanda is safer with a total crime rate of 1,241 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while North Tonawanda has 153.9. North Tonawanda 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 North Tonawanda, NY
North Tonawanda, once "The Lumber City," sits on the Erie Canal in Niagara County. This historic city, home to the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, boasts a population of around 30,000. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 29,898, North Tonawanda has a total crime rate of 1,240.9 per 100,000 residents.