Is Buffalo or Watervliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watervliet is safer than Buffalo (Safety Score 29/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,483 per 100,000 versus 4,517 for Buffalo — 45% lower. Buffalo has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Watervliet has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Buffalo is 27.1x 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
Watervliet — 1-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Buffalo, NY
Watervliet, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Buffalo | Watervliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.5 | 2,483.2 | +2,033.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 706.9 | 356.2 | +350.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 9.9 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 43.5 | 69.3 | -25.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 157.8 | 89.0 | +68.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 492.5 | 188.0 | +304.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,809.6 | 2,127.0 | +1,682.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 438.0 | 366.1 | +72.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,573.4 | 1,592.8 | +980.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 798.2 | 168.2 | +630.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo or Watervliet safer?
Watervliet is safer with a total crime rate of 2,483 per 100K vs 4,517 for Buffalo — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Buffalo has a violent crime rate of 706.9 per 100K while Watervliet has 356.2. Watervliet 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 Watervliet, NY
Watervliet, a small city in Albany County, New York, is historically known for its federal arsenal established in 1813. Situated on the Hudson River, it has a population of around 10,000 residents. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 10,108, Watervliet has a total crime rate of 2,483.2 per 100,000 residents.