Pennsylvania's 25 Most Dangerous Cities in Homicide Crime - Updated 2023

Unmasking Pennsylvania's Challenges: Exploring the 25 Least Safe Cities in homicide 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 Yeadon

County: Delaware

8.67

Crime per 100,000 population

+33.9%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+59.93%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Yeadon from 2012 to 2022

Yeadon is an area in Delaware, Pennsylvania with population of 11,945. The homicide crime rate in Yeadon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Yeadon Police Department (PA0233900). Yeadon homicide crime rate is 8.67 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Yeadon

#24 West York

County: York

8.76

Crime per 100,000 population

+35.29%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+61.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in West York from 2012 to 2022

West York is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 5,038. The homicide crime rate in West York is based on the nearest law agency agency, West York Police Department (PA0671000). West York homicide crime rate is 8.76 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in West York

#23 Uniontown

County: Fayette

9.01

Crime per 100,000 population

+39.15%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+66.21%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Uniontown from 2012 to 2022

Uniontown is an area in Fayette, Pennsylvania with population of 9,988. The homicide crime rate in Uniontown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Uniontown Police Department (PA0260300). Uniontown homicide crime rate is 9.01 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Uniontown

#22 Chambersburg

County: Franklin

9.56

Crime per 100,000 population

+47.64%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+76.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Chambersburg from 2012 to 2022

Chambersburg is an area in Franklin, Pennsylvania with population of 22,141. The homicide crime rate in Chambersburg is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chambersburg Police Department (PA0280100). Chambersburg homicide crime rate is 9.56 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chambersburg

#21 Whitfield

County: Berks

9.71

Crime per 100,000 population

+49.96%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+79.12%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Whitfield from 2012 to 2022

Whitfield is an area in Berks, Pennsylvania with population of 5,275. The homicide crime rate in Whitfield is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sinking Spring Police Department (PA0061700). Whitfield homicide crime rate is 9.71 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Whitfield

#20 Schuylkill Haven

County: Schuylkill

9.75

Crime per 100,000 population

+50.58%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+79.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Schuylkill Haven from 2012 to 2022

Schuylkill Haven is an area in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania with population of 5,263. The homicide crime rate in Schuylkill Haven is based on the nearest law agency agency, Schuylkill Haven Police Department (PA0540900). Schuylkill Haven homicide crime rate is 9.75 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Schuylkill Haven

#19 Wilkes-Barre

County: Luzerne

10.28

Crime per 100,000 population

+58.76%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+89.63%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Wilkes-Barre is an area in Luzerne, Pennsylvania with population of 44,086. The homicide crime rate in Wilkes-Barre is based on the nearest law agency agency, Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department (PA0402700). Wilkes-Barre homicide crime rate is 10.28 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Wilkes-Barre

#18 New Kensington

County: Westmoreland

10.41

Crime per 100,000 population

+60.77%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+92.03%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in New Kensington from 2012 to 2022

New Kensington is an area in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania with population of 12,222. The homicide crime rate in New Kensington is based on the nearest law agency agency, New Kensington Police Department (PA0651000). New Kensington homicide crime rate is 10.41 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in New Kensington

#17 Monessen

County: Westmoreland

10.59

Crime per 100,000 population

+63.55%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+95.35%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Monessen from 2012 to 2022

Monessen is an area in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania with population of 6,941. The homicide crime rate in Monessen is based on the nearest law agency agency, Monessen Police Department (PA0650700). Monessen homicide crime rate is 10.59 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Monessen

#16 West Hazleton

County: Luzerne

11.14

Crime per 100,000 population

+72.05%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+105.5%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in West Hazleton from 2012 to 2022

West Hazleton is an area in Luzerne, Pennsylvania with population of 5,076. The homicide crime rate in West Hazleton is based on the nearest law agency agency, State Police: Luzerne County (PA040SP00). West Hazleton homicide crime rate is 11.14 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in West Hazleton

#15 Sharon

County: Mercer

11.17

Crime per 100,000 population

+72.51%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+106.05%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Sharon from 2012 to 2022

Sharon is an area in Mercer, Pennsylvania with population of 13,203. The homicide crime rate in Sharon is based on the nearest law agency agency, Sharon Police Department (PA0430600). Sharon homicide crime rate is 11.17 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Sharon

#14 Reading

County: Berks

11.24

Crime per 100,000 population

+73.59%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+107.34%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Reading from 2012 to 2022

Reading is an area in Berks, Pennsylvania with population of 299,068. The homicide crime rate in Reading is based on the nearest law agency agency, Reading Police Department (PA0061400). Reading homicide crime rate is 11.24 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Reading

#13 Williamsport

County: Lycoming

12.09

Crime per 100,000 population

+86.72%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+123.02%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Williamsport from 2012 to 2022

Williamsport is an area in Lycoming, Pennsylvania with population of 27,908. The homicide crime rate in Williamsport is based on the nearest law agency agency, Williamsport Police Department (PA0410500). Williamsport homicide crime rate is 12.09 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Williamsport

#12 Swissvale

County: Allegheny

12.64

Crime per 100,000 population

+95.21%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+133.17%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Swissvale from 2012 to 2022

Swissvale is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 8,645. The homicide crime rate in Swissvale is based on the nearest law agency agency, Swissvale Police Department (PA0024400). Swissvale homicide crime rate is 12.64 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Swissvale

#11 Plymouth

County: Luzerne

13.64

Crime per 100,000 population

+110.66%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+151.61%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Plymouth from 2012 to 2022

Plymouth is an area in Luzerne, Pennsylvania with population of 5,765. The homicide crime rate in Plymouth is based on the nearest law agency agency, Plymouth Police Department (PA0401200). Plymouth homicide crime rate is 13.64 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Plymouth

#10 Aliquippa

County: Beaver

17.66

Crime per 100,000 population

+172.74%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+225.77%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Aliquippa from 2012 to 2022

Aliquippa is an area in Beaver, Pennsylvania with population of 9,237. The homicide crime rate in Aliquippa is based on the nearest law agency agency, Aliquippa Police Department (PA0040100). Aliquippa homicide crime rate is 17.66 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Aliquippa

#9 Johnstown

County: Cambria

17.81

Crime per 100,000 population

+175.06%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+228.54%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Johnstown from 2012 to 2022

Johnstown is an area in Cambria, Pennsylvania with population of 18,647. The homicide crime rate in Johnstown is based on the nearest law agency agency, Johnstown Police Department (PA0110400). Johnstown homicide crime rate is 17.81 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Johnstown

#8 Pittsburgh

County: Allegheny

17.89

Crime per 100,000 population

+176.29%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+230.01%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Pittsburgh from 2012 to 2022

Pittsburgh is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 1,720,279. The homicide crime rate in Pittsburgh is based on the nearest law agency agency, Mount Oliver Police Department (PA0027900). Pittsburgh homicide crime rate is 17.89 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Pittsburgh

#7 Philadelphia

County: Philadelphia

18.88

Crime per 100,000 population

+191.58%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+248.28%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Philadelphia from 2012 to 2022

Philadelphia is an area in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with population of 5,512,873. The homicide crime rate in Philadelphia is based on the nearest law agency agency, Philadelphia Police Department (PAPEP0000). Philadelphia homicide crime rate is 18.88 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Philadelphia

#6 Bala Cynwyd

County: Montgomery

18.88

Crime per 100,000 population

+191.58%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+248.28%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

Bala Cynwyd is an area in Montgomery, Pennsylvania with population of 8,858. The homicide crime rate in Bala Cynwyd is based on the nearest law agency agency, Philadelphia Police Department (PAPEP0000). Bala Cynwyd homicide crime rate is 18.88 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Bala Cynwyd

#5 Darby

County: Delaware

19.64

Crime per 100,000 population

+203.32%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+262.29%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Darby from 2012 to 2022

Darby is an area in Delaware, Pennsylvania with population of 10,688. The homicide crime rate in Darby is based on the nearest law agency agency, Colwyn Police Department (PA0230700). Darby homicide crime rate is 19.64 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Darby

#4 York

County: York

24.32

Crime per 100,000 population

+275.6%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+348.63%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in York from 2012 to 2022

York is an area in York, Pennsylvania with population of 236,818. The homicide crime rate in York is based on the nearest law agency agency, York Police Department (PA0670200). York homicide crime rate is 24.32 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in York

#3 Duquesne

County: Allegheny

25.2

Crime per 100,000 population

+289.19%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+364.86%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Duquesne from 2012 to 2022

Duquesne is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 5,280. The homicide crime rate in Duquesne is based on the nearest law agency agency, Duquesne Police Department (PA0020900). Duquesne homicide crime rate is 25.2 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Duquesne

#2 McKees Rocks

County: Allegheny

40.18

Crime per 100,000 population

+520.54%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+641.19%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

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

McKees Rocks is an area in Allegheny, Pennsylvania with population of 5,930. The homicide crime rate in McKees Rocks is based on the nearest law agency agency, McKees Rocks Police Department (PA0021400). McKees Rocks homicide crime rate is 40.18 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in McKees Rocks

#1 Chester

County: Delaware

64.0

Crime per 100,000 population

+888.42%

vs. Pennsylvania average

+1080.59%

vs. US average 🇺🇸

Chart of homicide crime rate in Chester from 2012 to 2022

Chester is an area in Delaware, Pennsylvania with population of 32,819. The homicide crime rate in Chester is based on the nearest law agency agency, Chester Police Department (PA0230400). Chester homicide crime rate is 64.0 per 100,000 population, compared to Pennsylvania average of 6.47 per 100,000 population and United States average of 5.42 per 100,000 population.

» Learn more about crime in Chester

Factors Influencing Crime Rates in Pennsylvania

Safety Tips for Homicide 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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