Kensington Neighborhood, Buffalo
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 43% of neighborhoods in Buffalo
Safety at a Glance
Is Kensington Safe?
Kensington in Buffalo, NY has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 134, which is 34% above the national average of 100. Kensington is safer than 43% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Compared to the Buffalo average (crime index 145), Kensington is 11% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 144, 44% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 59). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Kensington 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.
Kensington 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
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
How Kensington Compares
Crime index by category: Kensington vs Buffalo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Kensington Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Kensington Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kensington, Buffalo?
Kensington in Buffalo, NY has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 134, which is 34% above the national average. Compared to the Buffalo average, crime in Kensington is 11% lower. Kensington is safer than 43% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Is Kensington a safe neighborhood in Buffalo?
Kensington is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Buffalo, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 144), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 59).
How does Kensington compare to the rest of Buffalo?
Kensington's overall crime index is 134, compared to the Buffalo average of 145. This means crime in Kensington is 11% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 94, and for property crime it is 134. 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 Kensington?
The most prevalent crime type in Kensington is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 144 (44% 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 Kensington?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University, Starin Central, Grider and Kenilworth. These areas are close to Kensington and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Kensington?
Kensington has a population of approximately 10,216. The median household income is $46,213. The median home value is $110,003. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Kensington crime compare to the national average?
Kensington's overall crime rate is 34% above the national average (index 134 vs 100). Within Buffalo, it is safer than 43% 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.