Pennsylvania boasts a diverse landscape that spans from picturesque rural farmland to bustling metropolitan areas and vibrant cultural hubs. Its mountainous terrain adds to the state’s unique beauty and charm.
With a rich history that played a significant role in shaping America, the state of origin is among the first 13 colonies of the United States.
Like any other place, the state has its own set of problems, but it still remains highly livable with numerous safe areas.
Pennsylvania, despite its numerous attractions, has consistently found itself ranked within the top 15 states when it comes to crime statistics.
If you’re planning to move to Pennsylvania or just visiting, it’s important to be aware of the most unsafe cities in the state. Take a look at the information below to stay informed.
Top10 Pennsylvania Cities with the Highest Crime Rates
10. Johnstown
Johnstown, despite having a population of just 18,400, has a crime rate that is 68% higher than the state average.
According to the statistics, there are 34.17 crimes committed per 1,000 citizens.
According to statistics, there is a probability of 1 in 30 for both residents and tourists to fall prey to criminal activities.
On average, there are approximately 250 violent crimes and 558 property crimes reported each year.
The high crime rate in the area can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the considerably low median household income of $24,000. This figure is 56% less than the average household income in the United States.
9. Enhancing Your Reading Skills
Reading is a small city located in Berks County, with a population of 95,000. However, despite its size, the city faces a significant crime problem. Shockingly, residents in Reading have a 1 in 28 chance of experiencing crime and becoming victims.
Compared to the average crime rate in Pennsylvania, the overall crime rate in this area is significantly higher, standing at a staggering 81%.
According to the latest statistics, there were 2,742 property crimes and 690 violent crimes reported within the city limits in 2022.
Reading, despite being situated in close proximity to Philadelphia and the mountains, is currently grappling with a multitude of challenges including widespread poverty and a weak economy.
At a mere $69,400, the median home value in the city is quite affordable.
8. Pottstown
Pottstown, a small town located in Montgomery County, has a population of merely 23,400 inhabitants. However, the crime rate in this town is 88% higher than the state average.
According to recent reports, Pottstown has had a total of 3,823 crimes in 2021. This means that residents have a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Out of all the crimes committed, 183 were violent, while 740 were property crimes. The remaining crimes fall into the “other” category.
The number is quite surprising, especially when you take into account the small size of the city’s population.
7. Philadelphia: Seven Must-See Attractions
Despite its size, Philadelphia may come as a surprise for not being higher on this list.
Despite the population size, the crime rate remains relatively low.
While there may be some areas in the city that pose a potential danger, it is important to note that there are also numerous safe neighbourhoods to choose from.
The crime rate in this city is alarmingly high compared to the state average, with a staggering 97% difference. This means that residents here face a significantly higher risk of becoming victims of crime, with a chance of 1 in 25.
It is crucial to bear in mind that crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas of most big cities. The North and West Philadelphia neighbourhoods, in particular, have earned a reputation for being the most violent.
6. Ambridge
Located in western Pennsylvania’s Beaver County, Ambridge boasts a small population of just 7,000.
The crime rate in Ambridge is a cause for concern, as it stands at 40.57 incidences per 1,000 people. This is a staggering 73% higher than the national average in the United States.
It is quite astonishing to note that this number is so high, especially when taking into account the relatively small population of the region.
According to statistics, individuals have a 1 in 39 probability of falling prey to a crime.
5. Exploring Yeadon
Yeadon, a suburb of Philadelphia in Delaware County, has a crime rate of 40.83 per 1,000 residents.
Residents of Yeadon face a one in twenty-five probability of becoming a victim of any type of crime.
Last year, there were a total of 747 violent crimes reported, along with 3,336 property crimes.
The average income of households in the area is $48,400, which is noticeably lower than the national average. Additionally, the cost of homes in the region is quite affordable, with an average price of only $138,000.
4. McKeesport
Located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh within Allegheny County, you can find McKeesport.
With a population of 17,700, the city may seem small, but the total crime rate paints a different picture. Unfortunately, the city has a high crime rate of 42.91 incidences per 1,000 individuals.
The chance of falling prey to criminal activities in McKeesport is quite high, with 1 in every 24 residents becoming victims.
In the current year, this suburb has witnessed a total of 332 violent crimes and 542 property crimes, as per the reports.
The city of McKeesport still faces the challenge of unemployment and poverty, which is reflected in its median household income of just $26,200. Unfortunately, this has also led to a higher crime rate in the area.
3. Chester
Chester, located between Delaware and Center City, is known to be one of the most hazardous cities in the state, particularly in the southern suburbs of Philadelphia.
Chester, a city with a population of 32,600 located in Delaware County, has a notorious history of corruption and high crime rates, which unfortunately continues to persist even today.
In Chester, the crime rate is notably higher than the state average, with a staggering 115% difference and 43.89 crimes per 1,000 individuals.
Moreover, the city is grappling with the issues of unemployment and poverty, as the median home price stands at a meager $66,800.
2. Darby
In the year 2021, Darby, a small Philadelphia suburb, experienced a staggering number of 152 murders, despite its population of only 10,600.
The rate of property crime is also a cause for concern, with 46.25 incidents occurring per 1,000 people.
According to statistics, the likelihood of experiencing either violent or property crimes in Darby is quite high, with a 1 in 22 probability of becoming a victim.
Moreover, despite being located in the vicinity of one of the biggest cities in the United States, the residents of the area earn less than $35,000 per year, which has resulted in an ongoing issue of poverty in the region.
1. McKees Rocks
Dubbed as “The Rocks,” McKees Rock is a suburb of Pittsburgh situated in Allegheny County and has earned the reputation of being the most perilous city in Pennsylvania.
McKees Rocks, despite its small population of only 6,000, has a remarkably high crime rate of 64.09 incidents per 1,000 citizens. This makes the city 173% more dangerous than the national average.
The year 2022 saw a staggering 106 cases of violent crime and 262 incidents of property crime, which is alarmingly high considering the small population.
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