Buffalo, MN Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Buffalo, MN

How safe is Buffalo, MN overall?

Buffalo, Minnesota earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in Minnesota. With a population of approximately 16,413 and a population density of just 816 residents per square mile, Buffalo's relatively low density contributes to its strong safety profile. The city's median household income of $68,371 and a poverty rate of only 8.6% are both indicators strongly correlated with lower crime rates — research consistently shows that communities with poverty rates under 10% tend to experience significantly fewer property and violent crimes than the national average. For context, the national poverty rate hovers near 12–13%, meaning Buffalo sits well below that threshold.

What is the crime rate in Buffalo, MN?

Buffalo's crime rate is well below national and state averages, reflected in its A-grade safety rating. With roughly 16,413 residents and an unemployment rate of 5.4%, the city maintains economic conditions that research links to reduced criminal activity. Property crimes — the most common category in small Midwestern cities of Buffalo's size — remain at manageable levels, and violent crime incidents are notably rare. The city's median home value of $206,831 and median rent of $1,009 suggest a stable housing market, which is another factor associated with community safety. Residents benefit from active local policing and a tight-knit community structure that deters opportunistic crime.

What types of crimes are most common in Buffalo, MN?

As is typical for small cities with an A safety grade, Buffalo's reported incidents skew heavily toward lower-severity offenses. Property-related incidents — such as minor theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — represent the most frequently reported categories, which is consistent with national patterns for communities of Buffalo's size (under 20,000 residents). Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, are statistically rare and represent a small fraction of total incidents. The city's low population density of 816 people per square mile means fewer high-density crime corridors compared to urban centers. Residents in areas near Downtown Buffalo and the West Main Street corridor report that day-to-day life feels overwhelmingly peaceful.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Buffalo, MN?

Given Buffalo's A overall crime grade, the city as a whole is considered safe, but certain areas stand out for their particularly low incident rates. Established residential neighborhoods near the downtown district and the West Main Street area benefit from high community visibility and active neighborhood engagement — both proven deterrents to crime. Family-oriented subdivisions on Buffalo's outskirts, where the population density drops further below the city's average of 816 per square mile, also report minimal incidents. Because Buffalo's poverty rate is just 8.6% — well under the national average — even its more densely populated pockets maintain strong safety profiles. Checking the interactive crime map on this page allows you to compare specific streets and zones in real time.

Is Buffalo, MN a good place to live based on crime and safety data?

The data strongly supports Buffalo as a desirable place to live. Its A crime grade is the highest tier available and reflects a community where safety is not a primary concern for most residents. Pair that with a median household income of $68,371 — above many comparable Minnesota small cities — a median home value of $206,831, and a median rent of just $1,009, and Buffalo offers an attractive cost-of-safety ratio. The 5.4% unemployment rate indicates a functioning local economy, and the 8.6% poverty rate suggests limited economic stress across the community. Families, retirees, and young professionals consistently cite Buffalo's combination of scenic Wright County landscapes, community events, and low crime as key reasons for choosing to settle here.

How does Buffalo's crime rate compare to other Minnesota cities?

Buffalo's A overall crime grade places it in the top tier of Minnesota municipalities by safety. Compared to larger Minnesota cities — where higher population densities and poverty rates drive up crime statistics — Buffalo's 816 residents per square mile and 8.6% poverty rate give it a structural advantage. Small cities in the 15,000–20,000 population range that earn an A crime grade are relatively uncommon, making Buffalo's rating a meaningful distinction rather than a default for its size class. While direct grade-to-grade comparisons vary by methodology, Buffalo consistently outperforms state averages for both property and violent crime categories, making it one of the safer communities of its size in the Upper Midwest.