Is Buffalo or Saratoga Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saratoga Springs is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 43/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 58% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Saratoga Springs has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 9.6x 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
Saratoga Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Saratoga Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 1,902.2 | +2,614.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 185.7 | +521.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 3.5 | +8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 56.1 | -12.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 31.5 | +126.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 94.6 | +397.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 1,716.5 | +2,093.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 234.7 | +203.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,457.3 | +1,116.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 24.5 | +773.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Saratoga Springs safer?
Saratoga Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Saratoga Springs has 185.7. Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs, renowned for its mineral springs and horse racing, is a vibrant city in upstate New York. It attracts a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly during the summer racing meet, impacting its small permanent population of around 28,000. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 28,546, Saratoga Springs has a total crime rate of 1,902.2 per 100,000 residents.