Is Buffalo or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Rochester is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 9/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,872 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 14% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 3,871.6 | +645.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 582.3 | +124.7 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 13.1 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 18.4 | +25.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 153.3 | +4.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 397.4 | +95.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 3,289.3 | +520.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 404.7 | +33.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,795.8 | +777.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 1,088.8 | -290.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 3,872 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Rochester has 582.3. Rochester 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 6/100 and a population coverage of 273,728, Buffalo has a total crime rate of 4,516.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Rochester, NY
Rochester, NY, a city along Lake Ontario's southern shore, was once the "Flour City" due to its milling industry on the Genesee River. It's home to a diverse population of just over 200,000 residents. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 206,093, Rochester has a total crime rate of 3,871.6 per 100,000 residents.