First Ward Neighborhood, Buffalo
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 62% of neighborhoods in Buffalo
Safety at a Glance
Is First Ward Safe?
First Ward in Buffalo, NY has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average of 100. First Ward is safer than 62% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Compared to the Buffalo average (crime index 145), First Ward is 30% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 188, 88% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 133). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, First Ward is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
First Ward Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Buffalo city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Assault
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
159 | +59% | High | |
How First Ward Compares
Crime index by category: First Ward vs Buffalo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
First Ward Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
First Ward Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in First Ward, Buffalo?
First Ward in Buffalo, NY has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 175, which is 75% above the national average. Compared to the Buffalo average, crime in First Ward is 30% higher. First Ward is safer than 62% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Is First Ward a safe neighborhood in Buffalo?
First Ward is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Buffalo, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 188), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 133).
How does First Ward compare to the rest of Buffalo?
First Ward's overall crime index is 175, compared to the Buffalo average of 145. This means crime in First Ward is 30% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 148, and for property crime it is 169. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in First Ward?
The most prevalent crime type in First Ward is Burglary, with a crime index of 188 (88% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near First Ward?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Valley and Tifft. These areas are close to First Ward and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of First Ward?
First Ward has a population of approximately 1,835. The median household income is $45,222. The median home value is $68,288. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does First Ward crime compare to the national average?
First Ward's overall crime rate is 75% above the national average (index 175 vs 100). Within Buffalo, it is safer than 62% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated March 2026.