Pennsylvania's 25 Most Dangerous Cities - Updated 2023

Unmasking Pennsylvania's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in total crime

Author: CrimeData.io Research Team

In a world filled with both promise and peril, understanding the areas where safety concerns loom large becomes crucial. Join us on an eye-opening expedition as we uncover the 25 most dangerous cities across Pennsylvania. From bustling urban hubs to underprivileged neighborhoods, these communities grapple with security challenges that demand attention.

Where does the crime data come from?

This comprehensive list of the safest and most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania is backed by credible data sourced directly from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NBIRS). By relying on this authoritative database, we ensure that the information presented here is not only accurate but also up-to-date. The FBI's NBIRS system is a trusted source for crime statistics, providing valuable insights into the security landscapes of cities and communities across the nation.

How do we rank the cities?

Our ranking system is based on the total number of crimes reported in each city. We then calculated the crime rate per 100,000 population for each city. The cities with the lowest crime rates were ranked as the safest cities in Pennsylvania. Conversely, the cities with the highest crime rates were ranked as the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania.

To ensure the relevance and accuracy of our rankings, this list includes only cities and communities in Pennsylvania with a population of more than 5,000 residents. This population threshold allows us to focus on areas where a significant number of people live and work, providing a meaningful perspective on safety for the majority of our readers.

The data presented in this report spans a period from 2012 to 2021. By aggregating information over this decade, we gain valuable insights into the trends and changes in safety and crime rates within Pennsylvania. This long-term perspective allows us to identify both short-term fluctuations and broader patterns, providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape in the state.

#25 Beaver Falls

County: Beaver

1,689

Crime per 100,000 population

-24.82%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-42.0%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Beaver Falls from 2012 to 2022

Beaver Falls is an area in Beaver, Pennsylvania with population of 9,069. The total crime rate in Beaver Falls is based on the nearest law agency agency, Patterson Township Police Department (PA0042500). Beaver Falls total crime rate is 1,689 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Beaver Falls

#24 Boothwyn

County: Delaware

1,715

Crime per 100,000 population

-23.64%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-41.09%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Boothwyn from 2012 to 2022

Boothwyn is an area in Delaware, Pennsylvania with population of 5,539. The total crime rate in Boothwyn is based on the nearest law agency agency, Lower Chichester Township Police Department (PA0231600). Boothwyn total crime rate is 1,715 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Boothwyn

#23 Croydon

County: Bucks

1,752

Crime per 100,000 population

-22.02%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-39.84%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Croydon from 2012 to 2022

Croydon is an area in Bucks, Pennsylvania with population of 9,860. The total crime rate in Croydon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Bristol Police Department (PA0090200). Croydon total crime rate is 1,752 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Croydon

#22 Wilkinsburg

County: Allegheny

1,797

Crime per 100,000 population

-20.0%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-38.28%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Wilkinsburg from 2012 to 2022

Wilkinsburg is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 14,492. The total crime rate in Wilkinsburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Ross Township Police Department (PA0022200). Wilkinsburg total crime rate is 1,797 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wilkinsburg

#21 Wyomissing

County: Berks

1,799

Crime per 100,000 population

-19.91%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-38.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Wyomissing from 2012 to 2022

Wyomissing is an area in Berks, Pennsylvania with population of 11,026. The total crime rate in Wyomissing is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wyomissing Police Department (PA0062200). Wyomissing total crime rate is 1,799 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wyomissing

#20 Williamsport

County: Lycoming

1,836

Crime per 100,000 population

-18.25%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-36.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Williamsport from 2012 to 2022

Williamsport is an area in Lycoming, Pennsylvania with population of 27,908. The total crime rate in Williamsport is based on the nearest law agency agency, Williamsport Police Department (PA0410500). Williamsport total crime rate is 1,836 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Williamsport

#19 Pittsburgh

County: Allegheny

1,897

Crime per 100,000 population

-15.55%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-34.84%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2022

Pittsburgh is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 1,720,279. The total crime rate in Pittsburgh is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Oliver Police Department (PA0027900). Pittsburgh total crime rate is 1,897 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pittsburgh

#18 Hanover

County: York

1,898

Crime per 100,000 population

-15.51%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-34.82%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hanover from 2012 to 2022

Hanover is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 67,037. The total crime rate in Hanover is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hanover Police Department (PA0670100). Hanover total crime rate is 1,898 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hanover

#17 Rutherford

County: Dauphin

2,008

Crime per 100,000 population

-10.62%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-31.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Rutherford from 2012 to 2022

Rutherford is an area in Dauphin, Pennsylvania with population of 6,507. The total crime rate in Rutherford is based on the nearest law agency agency, Swatara Township Police Department (PA0220900). Rutherford total crime rate is 2,008 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Rutherford

#16 Lawnton

County: Dauphin

2,008

Crime per 100,000 population

-10.62%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-31.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Lawnton from 2012 to 2022

Lawnton is an area in Dauphin, Pennsylvania with population of 5,601. The total crime rate in Lawnton is based on the nearest law agency agency, Swatara Township Police Department (PA0220900). Lawnton total crime rate is 2,008 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Lawnton

#15 Tamaqua

County: Schuylkill

2,023

Crime per 100,000 population

-9.96%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-30.53%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Tamaqua from 2012 to 2022

Tamaqua is an area in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania with population of 6,940. The total crime rate in Tamaqua is based on the nearest law agency agency, Tamaqua Police Department (PA0541100). Tamaqua total crime rate is 2,023 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Tamaqua

#14 Elkins Park

County: Montgomery

2,037

Crime per 100,000 population

-9.34%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-30.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Elkins Park from 2012 to 2022

Elkins Park is an area in Montgomery, Pennsylvania with population of 6,805. The total crime rate in Elkins Park is based on the nearest law agency agency, Cheltenham Township Police Department (PA0460500). Elkins Park total crime rate is 2,037 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Elkins Park

#13 Ambridge

County: Beaver

2,398

Crime per 100,000 population

+6.72%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-17.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Ambridge from 2012 to 2022

Ambridge is an area in Beaver, Pennsylvania with population of 6,959. The total crime rate in Ambridge is based on the nearest law agency agency, Ambridge Police Department (PA0040200). Ambridge total crime rate is 2,398 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Ambridge

#12 Dickson City

County: Lackawanna

2,506

Crime per 100,000 population

+11.57%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-13.92%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Dickson City from 2012 to 2022

Dickson City is an area in Lackawanna, Pennsylvania with population of 6,047. The total crime rate in Dickson City is based on the nearest law agency agency, Dickson City Police Department (PA0350800). Dickson City total crime rate is 2,506 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Dickson City

#11 Hermitage

County: Mercer

2,508

Crime per 100,000 population

+11.62%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-13.89%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Hermitage from 2012 to 2022

Hermitage is an area in Mercer, Pennsylvania with population of 16,240. The total crime rate in Hermitage is based on the nearest law agency agency, Hermitage Police Department (PA0430400). Hermitage total crime rate is 2,508 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Hermitage

#10 Blandon

County: Berks

2,519

Crime per 100,000 population

+12.13%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-13.49%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Blandon from 2012 to 2022

Blandon is an area in Berks, Pennsylvania with population of 7,836. The total crime rate in Blandon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Muhlenberg Township Police Department (PA0061300). Blandon total crime rate is 2,519 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Blandon

#9 Johnstown

County: Cambria

2,602

Crime per 100,000 population

+15.8%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-10.66%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Johnstown from 2012 to 2022

Johnstown is an area in Cambria, Pennsylvania with population of 18,647. The total crime rate in Johnstown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Johnstown Police Department (PA0110400). Johnstown total crime rate is 2,602 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Johnstown

#8 Leola

County: Lancaster

2,648

Crime per 100,000 population

+17.87%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-9.06%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Leola from 2012 to 2022

Leola is an area in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with population of 7,721. The total crime rate in Leola is based on the nearest law agency agency, East Lampeter Township Police Department (PA0364000). Leola total crime rate is 2,648 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Leola

#7 East York

County: York

2,788

Crime per 100,000 population

+24.12%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-4.24%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in East York from 2012 to 2022

East York is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 8,670. The total crime rate in East York is based on the nearest law agency agency, Springettsbury Township Police Department (PA0670400). East York total crime rate is 2,788 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in East York

#6 McKees Rocks

County: Allegheny

2,793

Crime per 100,000 population

+24.33%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-4.08%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in McKees Rocks from 2012 to 2022

McKees Rocks is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 5,930. The total crime rate in McKees Rocks is based on the nearest law agency agency, McKees Rocks Police Department (PA0021400). McKees Rocks total crime rate is 2,793 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in McKees Rocks

#5 Philadelphia

County: Philadelphia

2,817

Crime per 100,000 population

+25.41%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-3.25%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Philadelphia from 2012 to 2022

Philadelphia is an area in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with population of 5,512,873. The total crime rate in Philadelphia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Philadelphia Police Department (PAPEP0000). Philadelphia total crime rate is 2,817 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Philadelphia

#4 Bala Cynwyd

County: Montgomery

2,817

Crime per 100,000 population

+25.41%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-3.25%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Bala Cynwyd from 2012 to 2022

Bala Cynwyd is an area in Montgomery, Pennsylvania with population of 8,858. The total crime rate in Bala Cynwyd is based on the nearest law agency agency, Philadelphia Police Department (PAPEP0000). Bala Cynwyd total crime rate is 2,817 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bala Cynwyd

#3 Weigelstown

County: York

2,875

Crime per 100,000 population

+27.97%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-1.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Weigelstown from 2012 to 2022

Weigelstown is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 14,593. The total crime rate in Weigelstown is based on the nearest law agency agency, West Manchester Township Police Department (PA0670900). Weigelstown total crime rate is 2,875 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Weigelstown

#2 Shiloh

County: York

2,875

Crime per 100,000 population

+27.97%

vs. Pennsylvania average

-1.27%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Shiloh from 2012 to 2022

Shiloh is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 11,098. The total crime rate in Shiloh is based on the nearest law agency agency, West Manchester Township Police Department (PA0670900). Shiloh total crime rate is 2,875 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Shiloh

#1 Wilkes-Barre

County: Luzerne

16,184

Crime per 100,000 population

+620.29%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+455.7%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of total crime rate in Wilkes-Barre from 2012 to 2022

Wilkes-Barre is an area in Luzerne, Pennsylvania with population of 44,086. The total crime rate in Wilkes-Barre is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department (PA0402700). Wilkes-Barre total crime rate is 16,184 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 2,246.95 per 100,000 population and United States average of 2,912.43 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wilkes-Barre

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Pennsylvania

Safety Tips for Total Crime in Pennsylvania

Explore More on Crime Rates in Pennsylvania

Interested in learning more about crime rates in Pennsylvania? Check out our comprehensive guide to crime rates in Pennsylvania for a detailed analysis of crime trends and statistics across the state. From the safest cities to the most dangerous communities, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of crime rates in Pennsylvania.

Explore More on Crime Rates in United States

Curious about crime rates in the United States? Explore our comprehensive guide to crime statistics and trends across the country. From the safest cities to the most concerning communities, this guide offers an in-depth analysis of crime rates throughout the United States.

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