Although Philadelphia is considered a safe city, there are specific neighborhoods that have higher rates of violent crime. The West, North, and Northeast areas are some of the regions with the highest crime rates. Nicetown-Tioga and Hunting Park are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia. If you want to learn more about the city’s crime rates in 2023 and the worst areas to avoid, keep reading.
Is Philadelphia Safe? – A Comprehensive Look at the City’s Safety
If you steer clear of Philadelphia’s most dangerous neighborhoods, you can enjoy a relatively safe stay in the city. The odds of experiencing violent crime in Philly are about 1 in 250, which is lower than many other major cities in the United States. Furthermore, the crime rate in Philadelphia has been decreasing by approximately 3% annually over the past ten years.
Although Philadelphia is a great city, there are certain neighborhoods that are considered unsafe due to high crime rates. The West and North sides of the city have the highest concentration of criminal activities. Nevertheless, residents and visitors need not worry about safety in other areas such as Center City and South Philadelphia, which are relatively safer neighborhoods.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
1. Nicetown-Tioga
Nicetown-Tioga, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, is infamous for its high crime rate, making it the most dangerous area in the city. The population of this locality is 17,382, and the average annual income is $24,935. Shockingly, the crime rate of Nicetown-Tioga is 2,739 incidents per 1,000,000 inhabitants, which is 329% higher than the national average. In 2021, there were 2,737 incidents of violent crime in this neighborhood, highlighting the alarming safety concerns. Despite efforts to curb crime, gun violence remains a significant problem in this part of Philadelphia, posing a threat to the residents’ safety.
2. Hunting Park
North Philadelphia’s Hunting Park is notorious for its high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Despite being home to historical landmarks like the Clara Barton School, the neighborhood’s population of 22,735 experiences a staggering 1,452 crimes per 100,000 people. Shockingly, Hunting Park’s crime rate is 100% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, 2021 saw 1,506 incidents of violent crime in the area, with robbery and assault being among the most common. The prevalence of gun violence is also a significant issue in Hunting Park.
3. Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion, an area in North Philadelphia near Fairmount Park, is known for its high crime rate and is considered a dangerous neighborhood. The population residing in this community is around 19,690 individuals, and the crime rate is alarmingly high at 1,944 per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison to the rest of the country, the city has a crime rate that is 162% higher, with violent crime being 420% higher. Unfortunately, Strawberry Mansion experiences a substantial amount of gun violence and murder, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the city.
Car theft and carjacking are among the violent crimes that can result in dangerous confrontations.
4. Fairhill
Fairhill, situated in the Northeastern part of Philadelphia, is considered to be one of the most hazardous areas in the city. According to the statistics of 2022, Fairhill has a crime rate of 1,545 per 100,000 people. This neighborhood is flanked by Kensington and West Kensington, with the former being notorious for its drug-related activities, boasting one of the most extensive open-air drug markets in the United States.
Fairhill has a significantly higher crime rate compared to the national average, with the violent crime rate being at an alarming 313% higher. In 2021, there were a total of 1,602 violent incidents, making it an area of concern for public safety.
5. Alleghany West
Northeastern Philadelphia is where Alleghany West is situated, with a population of 18,676 residents. Unfortunately, the crime rate in this area was 2,458 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. The lack of investment in this community has had a significant impact on its industrial history.
Alleghany West saw a staggering 1,602 incidents of violent crime in the year 2021. Shockingly, this means that the violent crime rate in the area is a massive 313% higher than the national average.
6. Harrowgate
Harrowgate, situated near Alleghany, is home to around 17,456 individuals. Unfortunately, the area faces numerous challenges, particularly drug trafficking, which is a common problem in several neighborhoods throughout Northeastern Philadelphia. Additionally, the crime rate in Harrowgate is 1,703 per 100,000 people, with violent crime being a major concern. Gun violence, murders, robberies, and assaults are a few examples of the violent crimes that occur in the area, and they are often linked to drug-related activities.
Harrowgate experienced a staggering 1,764 violent incidents in 2021, resulting in a violent crime rate that’s 326% higher than the national average. It’s a concerning statistic that highlights the urgent need for measures to be put in place to curb the rising tide of violence in the area.
7. Haddington-Carroll Park
Haddington-Carroll Park, situated in West Philadelphia, is yet another neighborhood in Philly that is considered to be extremely hazardous. With a population of 35,068, this working-class neighborhood has a crime rate of 1,588 per 100,000 residents. The neighborhood shares a similar culture with the areas bordering it, Lansdowne Avenue and West Girard Avenue. Shockingly, in 2022, the overall crime rate in the city was 133% higher than the city average.
8. Elmwood
Located in Southwest Philadelphia and bordering Delaware County, Elmwood is considered one of the most dangerous areas in the city due to its high levels of violent crime. Despite its population of just under 29,000 people, the neighborhood has a crime rate of 1,219 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. The area extends to the Schuylkill River, and residents are unfortunately at risk of becoming victims of violent crime.
Elmwood, although not commonly mentioned, is still grappling with the problem of gun violence and homicide. In 2021, there were 1,262 reported incidents of violent crime in Elmwood, which is 225% higher than the national average.
9. Frankford
Frankford, a neighborhood situated in Northeast Philadelphia, is home to a population of 39,792 and has a crime rate of 1,369 crimes per 100,000 individuals. The overall crime rate in this area is 132% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 266% higher. Shockingly, more than 1,400 violent crimes were reported in Frankford in 2021 alone, including incidents of assault and robbery that are commonly occurring.
10. North Central Philly
North Central Philadelphia, situated near Temple University in the northern part of the city, has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philly. With a population of 21,880, it recorded a crime rate of 1,982 per 100,000 people in 2022. Despite Temple University being considered a safe campus, it is surrounded by many high-crime areas, and North Central Philadelphia is no exception.
North Central experienced more than 2,000 cases of violent crime in 2022. However, it is property crime that is more rampant in this locality. According to reports, there were almost 6,450 incidents of property crime in North Central in 2022, which means that the property crime rate in this area is 231% higher than the national average.
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