Cumberland County, situated in the south-central part of Pennsylvania, boasts a population of over 250,000 people. Renowned for its historical and agricultural significance, it is home to attractions like the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum, the Carlisle Barracks, and the Army Heritage and Education Center.
Nevertheless, the county also grapples with crime and violence, with certain neighborhoods being safer than others. Here are the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Cumberland County, as indicated by crime statistics and ratings from various sources.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg, a city of approximately 50,000 residents, holds the county seat of Dauphin County and serves as Pennsylvania’s state capital. It’s positioned at the junction of the Susquehanna and Paxton rivers and is among the state’s oldest cities.
While Harrisburg hosts attractions like the State Capitol Complex and the National Civil War Museum, it’s, unfortunately, one of the region’s most crime-infested areas. Its crime rate surpasses the national average by 102%, with violent crime being 316% higher.
Crimes occur every 18 minutes on average, and the city’s population density stands at around 6,500 individuals per square mile, resulting in a likelihood of crime victimization as high as 1 in 15.
Also Read:
Carlisle
Carlisle, a borough housing about 19,000 residents, serves as Cumberland County’s county seat. Positioned at the intersection of Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11, it plays a significant role as a transportation hub. Home to educational institutions like Dickinson College and the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle is also an area with elevated crime levels.
Its crime rate surpasses the national average by 38%, with violent crime being 76% higher. Crimes occur about every 23 minutes on average, with a population density of approximately 4,000 individuals per square mile. The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Carlisle stands at around 1 in 20.
Also Read:
Shippensburg
Shippensburg, a borough home to around 5,000 residents, rests at the western end of Cumberland County along Interstate 81. With a history dating back to its founding by Scots-Irish settlers in 1730, the borough is recognized for its significance during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
Hosting Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, the borough also contends with heightened crime levels. Its crime rate surpasses the national average by 35%, and violent crime is 71% higher. Crimes occur roughly every 25 minutes on average, and the borough’s population density stands at about 3,000 individuals per square mile. The likelihood of crime victimization here is around 1 in 21.
Also Read:
Newville
Newville, a borough with around 1,300 residents, is situated at the western edge of Cumberland County by Big Spring Creek. Established in 1817 by James Blaine, who named it after his Irish hometown, the borough houses Big Spring High School and residents from surrounding townships.
Despite its small size, Newville contends with an elevated crime rate, surpassing the national average by 32%. Its violent crime rate is 67% higher, with crimes occurring about every 26 minutes on average. The borough’s population density stands at approximately 2,000 individuals per square mile, leading to a likelihood of crime victimization of around 1 in 22.
Also Read:
Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg, a borough inhabited by around 9,000 residents, rests at the eastern end of Cumberland County along U.S. Route 15. Its name stems from its history as a settlement of wagon mechanics in the early 19th century. Notable for its Jubilee Day festival, Mechanicsburg also contends with higher crime levels.
Its crime rate surpasses the national average by 30%, with violent crime being 63% higher. Crimes occur approximately every 27 minutes on average, and the borough’s population density stands at about 5,000 individuals per square mile. The likelihood of crime victimization in Mechanicsburg is roughly 1 in 23.
Also Read:
Conclusion
Based on available data, these five neighborhoods stand out as the most dangerous in Cumberland County. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize that crime can occur anywhere and at any time. To ensure personal safety, it’s advisable to remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take appropriate precautions.
Whether you live in or visit these areas, implementing safety measures such as securing doors and windows, avoiding poorly lit or isolated places after dark, reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, and considering home security systems can contribute to a safer environment.
