Erie County Crime & Safety

Erie County, New York

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2380.6

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

332.6

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2048.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

15/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#58

of 60 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Erie County, New York

Erie County Matches National Crime Levels

Erie County’s total crime rate of 2,380.6 per 100K is almost exactly the same as the national average. This gives the county a safety score of 96.2, indicating more activity than rural neighbors.

High Activity Compared to the State

Erie County's crime rate is more than double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.2 falls below the state average of 98.3, reflecting its status as a major urban hub.

Regional Hub Safety Challenges

As a primary population center, Erie County naturally sees higher crime rates than its rural neighbors. Twenty-four reporting agencies manage the diverse public safety needs of this bustling region.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Violent crime is notable at 332.6 per 100K, while property crime is the primary concern at 2,048.0. These figures mean residents are significantly more likely to face property theft than violent crime.

Essential Protection for Erie Residents

High property crime rates suggest that active home monitoring is essential. Use monitored alarm systems and secure all windows to protect your household in this active urban environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Erie County, NY?

Erie County has a total crime rate of 2380.6 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (332.6 per 100K) and property crimes (2048.0 per 100K).

Is Erie County, NY safe?

Erie County has a safety score of 15/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #58 out of 60 counties in New York for safety (1 = safest).

How does Erie County crime compare to the New York average?

Erie County's crime rate is more than double the New York state average of 1,074.4. Its safety score of 96.2 falls below the state average of 98.3, reflecting its status as a major urban hub.

What types of crime are most common in Erie County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Erie County?

Crime data for Erie County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Erie County?

Erie County has a safety score of 15/100, which is below the New York average of 56/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.