Dauphin County, located in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, is home to over 300,000 residents. It is renowned for its historical and cultural attractions, including the Crayola Experience, Martin Guitar Museum, and Bethlehem Steel Stacks.
Nonetheless, the county also grapples with crime and violence. Within Dauphin County, certain neighborhoods exhibit varying levels of safety. Here are the five neighborhoods deemed most perilous based on crime statistics and assessments from diverse sources.
Harrisburg
Harrisburg, a city with approximately 50,000 residents, functions as both the county seat and the state capital of Pennsylvania. Nestled at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Paxton Rivers, it holds a place as one of Pennsylvania’s oldest cities.
The city boasts the State Capitol Complex, the National Civil War Museum, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Nevertheless, Harrisburg contends with a high crime rate, surpassing the national average by 102%.
The incidence of violent crime in Harrisburg is a staggering 316% higher than the national average, translating to a crime occurring approximately every 18 minutes. With a population density of around 6,500 individuals per square mile, the likelihood of being a crime victim in Harrisburg could be as high as 1 in 15.
Also Read:
Steelton
South of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River, Steelton is a borough inhabited by about 6,000 people. Established in 1866 as a steel mill town, it once played a pivotal role in producing steel rails for railroads. The Steelton-Highspire High School, renowned for its accomplishments in football and basketball, is also located here.
Regrettably, Steelton grapples with crime rates exceeding the national average by 72%. The incidence of violent crime stands at 184% above the national average, with a crime transpiring roughly every 25 minutes. Given its population density of about 4,000 people per square mile, the likelihood of being a victim of crime in Steelton could be as high as 1 in 19.
Also Read:
Lykens
North of Harrisburg along Wiconisco Creek, Lykens is a borough inhabited by around 1,800 residents. Its origins trace back to 1848 as a coal mining town within Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region. Home to the Lykens Valley Golf Course, which offers scenic mountain views, Lykens finds itself among the more dangerous areas in Dauphin County.
It records a crime rate 66% higher than the national average, with violent crime exceeding the average by 167%. Incidents of crime occur at an approximate interval of 27 minutes. With a population density of roughly 2,000 individuals per square mile, the likelihood of being a victim of crime in Lykens could be as high as 1 in 21.
Also Read:
Penbrook
East of Harrisburg along Paxton Creek, Penbrook is a borough with a population of approximately 3,000. Established in 1894 from segments of Lower Paxton Township and Susquehanna Township, Penbrook is home to the Penbrook Community Park, featuring a playground, pavilion, and walking trail.
Unfortunately, Penbrook contends with crime rates exceeding the national average by 59%. The occurrence of violent crime surpasses the average by 150%, with a crime taking place about every 29 minutes. Given a population density of roughly 5,000 people per square mile, the likelihood of being a victim of crime in Penbrook could be as high as 1 in 23.
Also Read:
Middletown
Located south of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River, Middletown is a borough inhabited by around 9,000 individuals. Established in 1755 as a trading post, it ranks among Pennsylvania’s earliest settlements. The borough houses the Penn State Harrisburg campus, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.
However, Middletown contends with crime rates exceeding the national average by 50%. The incidence of violent crime surpasses the average by 127%, with a crime occurring approximately every 31 minutes. With a population density of about 3,000 people per square mile, the likelihood of being a victim of crime in Middletown could be as high as 1 in 25.
Also Read:
Conclusion
These neighborhoods represent the five most hazardous areas within Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, according to the available data. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that crime can transpire anywhere and at any time.
Remaining vigilant, aware of one’s surroundings, and adopting precautions like securing doors and windows, avoiding secluded areas at night, promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement, and considering home security systems can enhance personal safety for both residents and visitors in these regions.
Leave a Reply