Monroe County, Pennsylvania, situated in the northeastern part of the state, is known for its natural beauty and recreational attractions, including the Pocono Mountains, Delaware Water Gap, and Camelback Ski Resort. However, it also contends with crime and violence.
The county encompasses both safer and riskier neighborhoods, making it essential for both residents and visitors to exercise caution. Here, we outline the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Monroe County, based on crime statistics and assessments from diverse sources.
East Stroudsburg
East Stroudsburg, a borough of approximately 10,000 residents positioned to the east of Stroudsburg along Interstate 80, carries a rich historical legacy dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Home to institutions such as East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Pocono Medical Center, and Dansbury Depot, the borough boasts significance.
Nonetheless, it ranks as one of Monroe County’s most crime-ridden locales, with a crime rate surpassing the national average by 102%. Violent crime rates here are a startling 316% higher than the national average, resulting in an average of one crime every 18 minutes. The population density is around 3,000 people per square mile, elevating the chance of falling victim to crime to 1 in 15.
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Coolbaugh Township
Coolbaugh Township, with about 20,000 residents, lies north of Mount Pocono along State Route 611. Established in 1794 from portions of Tobyhanna Township and Tunkhannock Township, the township encompasses communities like Pocono Summit, Tobyhanna, and A Pocono Country Place.
Despite these attributes, Coolbaugh Township grapples with a crime rate exceeding the national average by 72%. Its violent crime rate is 184% higher than the national average, translating to a crime occurrence every 25 minutes. With a population density of roughly 300 people per square mile, the likelihood of becoming a crime victim stands at 1 in 19.
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Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg, serving as both the county seat and the largest borough in Monroe County with a population of around 5,000, resides along Brodhead Creek. This historic borough, echoing back to the colonial era, showcases architectural treasures and landmarks. Attractions like Sherman Theater, Stroud Mansion Museum, and Monroe County Courthouse add to its allure.
Yet, Stroudsburg ranks among the county’s riskier zones, with a crime rate surpassing the national average by 66%. Its violent crime rate is 167% higher than the national average, resulting in an average of one crime every 27 minutes. The population density approximates 3,000 people per square mile, with the likelihood of being a crime victim estimated at 1 in 21.
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Mount Pocono
Mount Pocono, a borough inhabited by about 3,000 people and located south of Coolbaugh Township along State Route 940, holds a reputation for its tourism offerings, featuring resorts, casinos, golf courses, and ski slopes. However, it contends with a crime rate exceeding the national average by 59%.
The violent crime rate here surpasses the national average by 150%, leading to a crime incident every 29 minutes. The population density stands at around 800 people per square mile, indicating a likelihood of 1 in 23 experiencing crime victimization.
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Middle Smithfield Township
With approximately 15,000 residents, Middle Smithfield Township lies to the east of East Stroudsburg along U.S. Route 209. Established in 1740 from portions of Smithfield Township and Hamilton Township, the township encompasses communities such as Marshalls Creek, Winona Lakes, and Country Club of the Poconos.
Despite its attributes, Middle Smithfield Township contends with a crime rate exceeding the national average by 50%. Violent crime rates are 127% higher than the national average, yielding an average crime incidence every 31 minutes. Its population density, about 300 people per square mile, implies a likelihood of experiencing crime victimization at 1 in 25.
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Conclusion
These five neighborhoods stand out as the most perilous areas in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, as indicated by available data. Yet, crime remains a possibility everywhere and at any time, underscoring the importance of vigilance and situational awareness.
Whether you reside in or visit these regions, adopting measures like securing doors and windows, avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night, reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement, and considering home security systems can contribute to personal safety.
