Is Buffalo or Plattsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plattsburgh is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 41/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,977 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 Plattsburgh has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 13.8x 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
Plattsburgh — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Plattsburgh, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Plattsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,976.6 | +2,540.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 130.8 | +576.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 0.0 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 25.2 | +18.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 20.1 | +137.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 85.5 | +407.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,845.8 | +1,963.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 80.5 | +357.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,694.9 | +878.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 70.4 | +727.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Plattsburgh safer?
Plattsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 1,977 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 Plattsburgh has 130.8. Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh, NY
Plattsburgh, a city on Lake Champlain, boasts a rich military history, notably the War of 1812 Battle of Plattsburgh. It's a small city in Clinton County, near the Canadian border. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 19,883, Plattsburgh has a total crime rate of 1,976.6 per 100,000 residents.