Pennsylvania is a state with lots of cool things to do and see. There are beautiful mountains and forests, lively cities, and cultural spots. But, it’s important to know that not all areas in Pennsylvania are equally safe.
Certain cities have more crime than others, and that can affect the safety of the people who live there. In this article, we’ll look at the five cities in Pennsylvania with the highest crime rates, using the latest data from the FBI.
How Does the Crime Rate of Pennsylvania Compare to Other States
In 2020, Pennsylvania’s violent crime rate went up by 27.1%, making it the second-highest increase in the country after Louisiana (+30.3%).
When you compare Pennsylvania to its neighboring states, it generally has a lower crime rate than most of them. The table below gives examples of how Pennsylvania ranks among its neighboring states based on the violent crime rate per 100,000 people in 2020:
| State | Violent Crime Rate |
| New York | 364 |
| New Jersey | 195 |
| Delaware | 432 |
| Maryland | 400 |
| West Virginia | 356 |
| Ohio | 309 |
| Indiana | 358 |
| Michigan | 478 |
In 2020, Pennsylvania had a violent crime rate of 389.5 per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the national average of 388.0, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports. However, it didn’t rank among the top 10 states with the highest violent crime rates.
The states with the highest rates in 2020 were Maine (108.6), New Hampshire (146.4), Vermont (173.4), Connecticut (181.6), New Jersey (195.4), Virginia (208.7), Rhode Island (230.8), Wyoming (234.2), Idaho (242.6), and Hawaii (254.2).
McKeesport
McKeesport, a city in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, is considered unsafe. It has a population of 17,727, and the overall crime rate is 4,291 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents face a 1 in 24 chance of being victims of some form of crime.
In 2021, 332 violent crimes and 542 property crimes were reported. The city grapples with issues like poverty and unemployment, reflected in a low median household income of $26,271.
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Chester
Chester is a town near Philadelphia in Delaware County with about 32,605 residents. Unfortunately, it often gets mentioned in lists of the worst cities to live in the United States due to a history of high crime and political corruption.
The crime rate in Chester is 116% higher than the Pennsylvania state average, with 4,389 crimes per 100,000 people. As of 2021, the typical home in Chester costs only $66,800.
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Yeadon
Yeadon, in Delaware County, has a crime rate of 4,083 per 100,000 people. If you live in Yeadon, there’s a 1 in 25 chance of being a victim of a crime.
In 2021, FBI data shows 747 violent crimes and 3,336 property crimes per person. The median home price in Yeadon is $138,000, and the average household income is $48,420.
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McKees Rocks
McKees Rocks, nicknamed “The Rocks,” is a borough in Allegheny County, and it’s considered the most unsafe place to live in Pennsylvania. The population is 5,920, and the crime rate is 6,409 per 100,000 people, which is 173% higher than the national average.
In 2022, there were 106 cases of violent crime and 262 cases of property crime in McKees Rocks. These numbers are quite high given the small population of the city.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Odenton, Maryland
Darby
Darby is one of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. In 2021, there were 152 murders, and the population is 10,667. Property crime is also a big problem, with 4,625 incidents for every 100,000 people.
Living in Darby means you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of any crime. The poverty rate is very high, and people typically earn less than $35,000 a year.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Poorest City in Wisconsin
Final Words
Pennsylvania has a lot of good things to offer, but it also faces some serious concerns. These dangerous places experience high levels of violent and property crimes, including murders.
The reasons behind these crimes are complicated and diverse, often involving issues like poverty, unemployment, drugs, gangs, lack of education, and other social problems. These crimes not only impact the safety and well-being of residents and visitors but also affect the state’s reputation and economy.
To tackle these problems, it’s important for both state and local governments to put effective policies and programs in place to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in these cities.
Citizens also need to be aware of the daily risks and challenges they face and take measures to protect themselves and their communities. By working together, we can make Pennsylvania a safer and better place for everyone.
