Lakeview / Lower West Side Neighborhood, Buffalo

Crime Rate & Statistics

D

High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates

Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Buffalo

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 190 / 300 High
Violent Crime 183
83% above national avg
Property Crime 182
82% above national avg
City Ranking
12%
safer than other
Buffalo neighborhoods

Is Lakeview / Lower West Side Safe?

Lakeview / Lower West Side in Buffalo, NY has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100. Lakeview / Lower West Side is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.

Compared to the Buffalo average (crime index 145), Lakeview / Lower West Side is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 166).

Lakeview / Lower West Side has elevated crime levels. Prospective residents should weigh these statistics against other factors like affordability and proximity to work. Visitors should stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secured.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 190 (90% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 166 (66% above avg)

Lakeview / Lower West Side 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
186 +86% High
Assault
186 +86% High
Robbery
186 +86% High
Rape
175 +75% High
Property Crime
Burglary
166 +66% High
Larceny / Theft
190 +90% High
Vehicle Theft
190 +90% High

How Lakeview / Lower West Side Compares

Crime index by category: Lakeview / Lower West Side vs Buffalo average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Lakeview / Lower West Side Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Lakeview / Lower West Side Demographics & Context

Population
3,644
Median Income
$20,473
Home Value
$218,615
Median Age
32
Pop. Density
13,569/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 6.5%
Graduate Degree 1.9%

Housing

15%
85%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 28.9%
Black 27.1%
Hispanic 65.3%
Asian 4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Columbus Index: 195
D
Allen Index: 185
B-
Waterfront Index: 167
B-
Front Park Index: 165
C+
Bryant Index: 183
B-
Central Business District Index: 191
C-
Willert Park Index: 191
F+
Grant Ferry Index: 155
B-
Lakeview / Lower West Side Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Buffalo Crime Statistics
View all Buffalo neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lakeview / Lower West Side, Buffalo?

Lakeview / Lower West Side in Buffalo, NY has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the Buffalo average, crime in Lakeview / Lower West Side is 45% higher. Lakeview / Lower West Side is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Buffalo.

Is Lakeview / Lower West Side a safe neighborhood in Buffalo?

Lakeview / Lower West Side has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 190), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 166).

How does Lakeview / Lower West Side compare to the rest of Buffalo?

Lakeview / Lower West Side's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Buffalo average of 145. This means crime in Lakeview / Lower West Side is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 183, and for property crime it is 182. 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 Lakeview / Lower West Side?

The most prevalent crime type in Lakeview / Lower West Side is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 190 (90% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Lakeview / Lower West Side?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Allen, Waterfront, Bryant and Grant Ferry. These areas are close to Lakeview / Lower West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Lakeview / Lower West Side?

Lakeview / Lower West Side has a population of approximately 3,644. The median household income is $20,473. The median home value is $218,615. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Lakeview / Lower West Side crime compare to the national average?

Lakeview / Lower West Side's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 vs 100). Within Buffalo, it is safer than 12% 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.