Crime and Pollution in Buffalo

Crime Data in Buffalo

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Buffalo's crime landscape indicates a moderate level of concern among its residents. While there have been efforts to reduce crime rates, worries about property crimes and drug-related issues remain prominent, thereby influencing public perception.

Public safety sentiments in Buffalo vary, with residents feeling generally safe during daylight times but expressing more caution during nighttime hours.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Residents of Buffalo have a moderate concern regarding property crimes such as thefts, car break-ins, and home burglaries. This contributes to a cautious outlook on the security of possessions.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes pose a significant concern in Buffalo, as public opinion highlights this as an area impacting community safety, necessitating continued attention from law enforcement.
• Violent Crimes - Fear of violent crimes, including assaults and muggings, is lower in Buffalo compared to property crimes. This is a positive sign for community safety but vigilance remains necessary.
• Public Safety - Buffalonians feel predominantly secure during the day, with high levels of confidence in their safety when alone. However, there is a notable decline in this sense of security after dark, as residents express concerns about potential crimes occurring at night.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The notion that crime rates are on the rise is a growing worry in Buffalo, benefitting from particular attention in neighborhoods grappling with property crimes and drug issues.
• Specific Fears - Most residents report low levels of concern regarding violence, but feel significant unease about theft, drug-related crimes, and hate-based victimization. These specific fears call for targeted safety strategies to address community sensitivity and enhance inclusivity.

Summary of Crime in Buffalo

Despite some concerns, Buffalo has managed to retain a relatively moderate crime rate, with significant efforts from local authorities aiming to curtail property and drug-related crimes. Continuing these initiatives could further bolster public safety in the future.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Memphis

Tennessee

2. Detroit

Michigan

3. Baltimore

Maryland

4. Albuquerque

New Mexico

5. Saint Louis

Missouri

6. Oakland

California

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Milwaukee

Wisconsin

9. Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

10. Chicago

Illinois

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Buffalo has achieved commendable progress in maintaining good air quality in 2024, with pollution levels being less of a concern compared to similar urban areas. The focus remains on sustaining these standards against challenges like industrial emissions and traffic.

Air quality is rated highly, which is a crucial aspect contributing to the city's favorable living conditions. Residents appreciate the manageable levels of air pollutants.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Buffalo's PM2.5 levels are notably within healthy limits, minimizing severe health risks and contributing to the city's positive environmental reputation.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels in Buffalo are also well-managed, reflecting a clean urban atmosphere and supporting the city's aim to maintain low pollution levels across all areas.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Buffalo sees minimal issues with noise and light pollution, particularly compared to more densely populated cities. Problems do exist but do not significantly detract from the quality of life for most residents.

There is a high level of satisfaction with garbage disposal services in Buffalo, with residents expressing their approval of efficient waste management and cleanliness efforts citywide.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Residents express significant satisfaction with garbage disposal and waste management, pointing to efficient systems that address community needs well.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution is a minor issue in Buffalo, with most residents unaffected by typical urban noise levels, although some concern remains in certain areas during peak hours.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Buffalo's green spaces are a cherished component of city life, providing vital environmental and recreational benefits. Residents highly value these areas for their beauty and accessibility.

Drinking water quality in Buffalo receives high praise, with residents benefitting from excellent accessibility and minimal contamination concerns, adding significant value to the quality of life.

• Green and Parks Quality - Buffalo’s green spaces are well-regarded, contributing positively to residents' well-being and providing essential recreational opportunities and ecological benefits.
• Drinking Water Quality - The quality of drinking water in Buffalo is exemplary, with widespread satisfaction regarding its purity and reliability, underscoring the city's commitment to high health standards.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Los Angeles

California

2. Salt Lake City

Utah

3. Detroit

Michigan

4. New York

New York

5. Phoenix

Arizona

6. Houston

Texas

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Las Vegas

Nevada

9. Chicago

Illinois

10. San Francisco

California