Forest Neighborhood, Buffalo
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Buffalo
Safety at a Glance
Is Forest Safe?
Forest in Buffalo, NY has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average of 100. Forest is safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Compared to the Buffalo average (crime index 145), Forest is 8% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 140).
Overall, Forest 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.
Forest 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
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Assault
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
173 | +73% | High | |
How Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Forest vs Buffalo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Forest, Buffalo?
Forest in Buffalo, NY has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 153, which is 53% above the national average. Compared to the Buffalo average, crime in Forest is 8% higher. Forest is safer than 45% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Is Forest a safe neighborhood in Buffalo?
Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Buffalo, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 178), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 140).
How does Forest compare to the rest of Buffalo?
Forest's overall crime index is 153, compared to the Buffalo average of 145. This means crime in Forest is 8% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 156, and for property crime it is 168. 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 Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Forest is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 178 (78% 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 Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Black Rock, Buffalo State University, Grant Ferry and Albright. These areas are close to Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Forest?
Forest has a population of approximately 8,530. The median household income is $52,134. The median home value is $228,769. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Forest crime compare to the national average?
Forest's overall crime rate is 53% above the national average (index 153 vs 100). Within Buffalo, it is safer than 45% 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.