Is Buffalo or Utica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Utica is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 13/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 23% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Utica has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 4.3x 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
Utica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Utica, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Utica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 3,477.1 | +1,039.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 527.8 | +179.2 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 7.9 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 38.0 | +5.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 95.1 | +62.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 386.7 | +105.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 2,949.4 | +860.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 294.8 | +143.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 2,508.8 | +64.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 145.8 | +652.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Utica safer?
Utica is safer with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Utica has 527.8. Utica 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 Utica, NY
Utica, a former industrial hub in the Mohawk Valley, is known for its diverse population and culinary traditions like the Utica riggies. Nestled along the Mohawk River, it serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 63,098, Utica has a total crime rate of 3,477.1 per 100,000 residents.