Is Buffalo or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Buffalo is safer than Watertown (Safety Score 6/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100,000 versus 4,528 for Watertown — 0% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 11.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Watertown, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 4,527.9 | -11.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 599.3 | +107.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 0.0 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 166.5 | -123.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 37.5 | +120.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 395.4 | +97.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 3,928.6 | -119.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 387.0 | +51.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 3,420.9 | -847.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 120.7 | +677.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Watertown safer?
Buffalo is safer with a total crime rate of 4,517 per 100K vs 4,528 for Watertown — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Watertown has 599.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, NY
Watertown, NY, a city along the Black River, boasts the first department store in the nation, founded by F.W. Woolworth. Situated just south of Fort Drum, it serves as a regional hub for Jefferson County. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 24,029, Watertown has a total crime rate of 4,527.9 per 100,000 residents.