Niagara Falls, NY Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Niagara Falls, NY

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Niagara Falls is 57.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 388 violent crimes reported in Niagara Falls, equivalent to 806 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 118%. Additionally, Niagara Falls recorded 1374 property crimes, amounting to 2855 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 46.1%.

Niagara Falls has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 806 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Niagara Falls falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 125 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Niagara Falls has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 5 murders in Niagara Falls, which is 10 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Niagara Falls?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Niagara Falls residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 102 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Niagara Falls residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Niagara Falls a Safe Place to Live?

Is Niagara Falls a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Niagara Falls has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 58%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.83 daily incidents, encompassing 1.06 violent crimes and 3.76 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Niagara Falls as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Niagara Falls Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Niagara Falls has increased by 1.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Niagara Falls is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 6%, while property crime has increased by 0.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Niagara Falls.

Potential Causes for Crime in Niagara Falls

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Niagara Falls, the cost of living is 18.57% lower than the national average.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Niagara Falls, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The median home price in Niagara Falls is $78,500, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Niagara Falls crime map