Philadelphia is generally considered a safe city; however, certain areas in the West, North, and Northeast have high violent crime rates, making them less safe. The neighborhoods of Nicetown-Tioga and Hunting Park are known to be particularly dangerous. For further information on the city’s crime rates in 2023 and the worst areas in Philly, keep reading.
Is Philadelphia Safe?
When it comes to safety, Philadelphia is a city that has made significant progress over the years. With a bit of caution, you can enjoy this vibrant city without worrying about your safety. The crime rate in Philadelphia has been decreasing steadily, with a 3% decrease per year over the last decade. As a result, the chances of being a victim of violent crime in Philly are relatively low, around 1 in 250, making it safer than many other large US cities. However, it’s still important to be aware of the city’s worst neighborhoods and take necessary precautions while exploring.
While Philadelphia is generally a safe city, there are certain neighborhoods that pose a higher risk of crime. These areas are primarily located on the West and North sides of the city. However, if you stick to the more central neighborhoods like Center City and South Philadelphia, you will find that crime is not as prevalent. This means that residents and visitors can feel safer when exploring these parts of the city.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
1. Nicetown-Tioga
Nicetown-Tioga stands out as the most perilous neighborhood in Philadelphia. With a population of 17,382, the average annual income in this area is $24,935. Shockingly, the crime rate in this neighborhood is 2,739 incidents per 1,000,000 inhabitants, which is 329% higher than the national average! In 2021, Nicetown-Tioga witnessed 2,737 incidents of violent crime, which indicates that gun violence remains a significant issue in this region of Philadelphia.
2.Hunting Park
Hunting Park, situated in North Philadelphia, is undoubtedly one of the most perilous neighborhoods in the city. Despite being home to several historical structures, including the renowned Clara Barton School, the area is fraught with danger. The population of Hunting Park stands at 22,735, with 1,452 crimes committed per 100,000 individuals. Shockingly, crime rates in Hunting Park are 100% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, 2021 witnessed a total of 1,506 incidents of violent crime in the neighborhood, with robbery and assault being the most common. Furthermore, gun violence remains a critical concern in Hunting Park.
3. Strawberry Mansion
Located in North Philadelphia near Fairmount Park, Strawberry Mansion is a neighborhood known for its high crime rate. The population of this area is around 19,690 people, with a crime rate of 1,944 per 100,000 inhabitants. Unfortunately, in 2022, Philadelphia’s crime rate was ranked 162% higher than the national average, with violent crime being 420% higher. Strawberry Mansion is no exception to this trend, with murder and gun violence being especially prevalent. Despite these challenges, the community continues to work towards creating a safer environment for its residents.
Car theft and carjacking are both violent crimes that can result in dangerous encounters.
4. Fairhill
Fairhill, situated in the North Eastern region of Philadelphia, is among the most perilous areas in the city. With a crime rate of 1,545 per 100,000 residents in 2022, Fairhill has a notorious reputation for criminal activity. This neighborhood is surrounded by Kensington and West Kensington, with the former being infamous for its extensive drug-related activities, including hosting one of the biggest open-air drug markets in the United States.
Fairhill has a significantly high crime rate, which is 260% above the national average. Shockingly, the violent crime rate is even higher, with a staggering 313% above the national average. In 2021, there were a total of 1,602 incidents reported for violent crimes.
5. Alleghany West Neighborhood
Alleghany West, situated in the Northeastern region of Philadelphia, is home to a population of 18,676 individuals. In 2022, the crime rate in this area was recorded at 2,458 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a matter of concern for the community. The industrial history of this locality has been significantly impacted due to the lack of investment in the area.
Alleghany West saw a staggering 1,602 incidents of violent crimes in 2021, making the violent crime rate an alarming 313% higher than the national average.
6. Harrowgate
Harrowgate, a community situated close to Alleghany, is home to around 17,456 residents and has a crime rate of 1,703 per 100,000 individuals. Unfortunately, the neighborhood has been grappling with drug trafficking, an issue not uncommon in many other areas of Northeastern Philadelphia. The prevalence of violent crime is also a major concern with gun violence, murders, robberies, and assaults being prevalent issues. It is worth noting that a significant portion of the violent crime in Harrowgate can be attributed to the drug trade that takes place within the community.
The violent crime rate in Harrowgate was significantly higher than the national average in 2021, with a staggering 1,764 violent incidents reported. This alarming number highlights the urgent need for measures to be taken to curb violence in the area.
7. Haddington-Carroll Park
One of the most perilous neighborhoods in Philly is Haddington-Carroll Park, situated in West Philadelphia. With a population of 35,068, the area has a crime rate of 1,588 per 100,000 residents. It is a working-class neighborhood bordered by Lansdowne Avenue and West Girard Avenue, with a similar cultural vibe. In 2022, the city’s overall crime rate was 133% higher than the city average, making the situation in Haddington-Carroll Park even more concerning.
8. Elmwood
Elmwood, situated in Southwest Philadelphia and bordered by Delaware County and the Schuylkill River, is notorious for its high rates of violent crime. With a population of 28,891, the neighborhood’s crime rate is 1,219 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. It is one of the worst areas in Philadelphia that should be avoided due to safety concerns.
Even though Elmwood may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cities with high crime rates, it still faces challenges related to gun violence and homicide. In fact, the violent crime rate in Elmwood was 225% higher than the national average in 2021, and there were 1,262 reported incidents.
9. Frankford
Frankford, situated in Northeast Philadelphia, is home to a population of 39,792 individuals with a crime rate of 1,369 crimes per 100,000 people. The overall crime rate in this area is 132% higher than the national average, and the violent crime rate is significantly higher at 266%. Unfortunately, in 2021, there were over 1,400 reported incidents of violent crime, with assault and robbery being the most common types.
10. Exploring North Central Philly
North Central Philadelphia, located near Temple University in the Northern part of the city, has gained a notorious reputation and is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philly. With a population of 21,880 and a crime rate of 1,982 per 100,000 people in 2022, it is essential to exercise caution while in this area. Despite being close to the safe campus of Temple University, the neighborhood is surrounded by many high-crime areas, making it a risky place to reside or visit.
North Central saw a staggering 2,000 violent crimes in 2022. However, it is the property crime rate in this neighborhood that is truly concerning. With almost 6,450 reported incidents in the same year, North Central’s property crime rate is a staggering 231% higher than the national average.
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