Is Buffalo or Poughkeepsie Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poughkeepsie is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 33/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,280 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 50% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Poughkeepsie has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 8.6x 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
Poughkeepsie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Poughkeepsie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 2,279.9 | +2,236.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 643.8 | +63.1 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 6.3 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 62.8 | -19.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 103.6 | +54.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 471.1 | +21.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,636.2 | +2,173.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 245.0 | +193.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,265.6 | +1,307.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 125.6 | +672.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Poughkeepsie safer?
Poughkeepsie is safer with a total crime rate of 2,280 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Poughkeepsie has 643.8. Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie, NY
Poughkeepsie, a Hudson River city, is home to Vassar College, founded in 1861. Situated roughly halfway between New York City and Albany, its population is diverse. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 31,843, Poughkeepsie has a total crime rate of 2,279.9 per 100,000 residents.