Is Buffalo or Syracuse Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Buffalo is safer than Syracuse (Safety Score 5/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100,000 versus 4,999 for Syracuse — 10% lower. Buffalo has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Syracuse — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Syracuse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 4,999.5 | -483.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 765.3 | -58.4 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 15.2 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 58.6 | -15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 133.6 | +24.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 558.0 | -65.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 4,234.2 | -424.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 721.2 | -283.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,638.2 | -64.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 874.8 | -76.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Syracuse safer?
Buffalo is safer with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100K vs 4,999 for Syracuse — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Syracuse has 765.3. Buffalo 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 Syracuse, NY
Syracuse, a city in Central New York, is home to Syracuse University and its distinctive Carrier Dome. Located near Onondaga Lake, it experiences significant annual snowfall due to lake-effect weather. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 145,175, Syracuse has a total crime rate of 4,999.5 per 100,000 residents.