Is Buffalo or Schenectady Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Schenectady is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 10/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 16% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Schenectady has a 36% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 4.0x 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
Schenectady — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Schenectady, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Schenectady | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 3,775.0 | +741.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 645.7 | +61.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 10.2 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 56.8 | -13.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 100.6 | +57.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 478.1 | +14.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 3,129.3 | +680.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 400.8 | +37.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,508.4 | +65.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 220.1 | +578.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Schenectady safer?
Schenectady is safer with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Schenectady has 645.7. Schenectady 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 Schenectady, NY
Schenectady, once home to General Electric, sits on the Mohawk River in eastern New York. This city, with a diverse population, is part of the Capital Region. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 68,610, Schenectady has a total crime rate of 3,775.0 per 100,000 residents.