United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Buffalo scores 75/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Buffalo is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
75
/ 100
Safer than ~80% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile overall violent crime is reported to be dropping, there are ongoing incidents of shootings and armed robberies, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Pickpocketing
ModerateProperty crime is noted as a local concern, suggesting a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded areas.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
64/100
Travelers report feeling moderately safe walking alone during the day, but express more caution at night. Concerns about mugging and robbery are present, though not overwhelming.
Yes — Buffalo is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions.
While Buffalo has a homicide rate comparable to the US average and some concerns regarding property crime and drug activity, overall safety indicators are positive. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly at night, and take standard precautions.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Buffalo, New York, presents a generally safe environment for travelers, with official advisories from Canada and the UK recommending normal security precautions. The city's composite safety index is favorable, indicating it is safer than a significant portion of other global locations. However, like many urban centers, Buffalo experiences its share of crime, and visitors should remain vigilant.
Recent reports indicate a mixed picture regarding safety. While there are positive signs of declining violent crime, including a report from Governor Hochul noting a continued decline through early 2026, there are also ongoing incidents. In July 2026, a reward was offered for information on a shooting on Stevens Avenue, and a teen was charged in a downtown shooting. Additionally, an armed robbery suspect was indicted in April 2026. Business owners have noted an increase in petty theft alongside the drop in violent crime, suggesting a moderate risk for pickpocketing and property crime, particularly in busier areas.
Traveler sentiment suggests a degree of caution, with a moderate score for feeling safe walking alone at night and some worry about mugging or robbery. Property crime is also flagged as a local concern. It is advisable for visitors to stay aware of their surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid displaying them openly. Sticking to well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark, is a practical safety measure.
Beyond street crime, travelers should be aware of potential environmental factors. There are active flood alerts in the broader region, and Buffalo can experience severe winter weather, including extreme cold and significant snow, as noted in January 2026 reports. While no major natural disasters are currently impacting the city directly, staying informed about local weather is prudent. The CDC also lists global health notices for Polio, Dengue, and Measles, which, while not specific to Buffalo, are general travel health considerations.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Buffalo districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Buffalo safety map.
East SideavoidSome areas on the East Side have higher crime rates, including violent crime and drug-related activity, making them unsuitable for casual visitors.
Downtown BuffalocautionGenerally safe during the day, but exercise caution after dark due to increased risk of petty crime and occasional violent incidents.
AllentowncautionKnown for its nightlife and historic architecture, but can experience petty crime and requires extra vigilance at night.
West SidecautionA diverse area with pockets of higher crime; exercise caution, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas after dark.
CanalsidesaferA popular tourist area with good lighting and increased police presence, generally safe for visitors.
Elmwood VillagesaferA vibrant neighborhood with shops and restaurants, generally considered safe for daytime exploration.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
While overall violent crime is reported to be dropping, there are ongoing incidents of shootings and armed robberies, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
After dark, be most careful around East Side, Downtown Buffalo, Allentown, West Side. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Buffalo's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Buffalo is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. While Buffalo has a homicide rate comparable to the US average and some concerns regarding property crime and drug activity, overall safety indicators are positive. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly at night, and take standard precautions. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags East Side as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Buffalo ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 75/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: buffalo.json (CC BY 4.0).