Is Buffalo or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 17/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 31% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 39% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 6.1x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 3,125.4 | +1,391.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 800.0 | -93.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 8.4 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 64.3 | -20.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 181.6 | -23.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 545.3 | -52.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 2,325.3 | +1,484.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 317.2 | +120.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,582.1 | +991.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 426.0 | +372.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Buffalo 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.