Northampton County, Pennsylvania, boasts a population of over 300,000 people in the Lehigh Valley region. Renowned for its historical and cultural landmarks like the Crayola Experience, the Martin Guitar Museum, and the Bethlehem Steel Stacks, the county also faces crime and violence challenges.
Within Northampton County, there exist variances in neighborhood safety levels, with some being more secure than others. Here are the five most precarious neighborhoods in the county, as indicated by crime statistics and ratings from multiple sources.
Easton
Serving as the county seat, Easton is a city of around 27,000 residents. Positioned at the junction of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, it holds the distinction of being one of Pennsylvania’s oldest cities. Lafayette College, the National Canal Museum, and the Sigal Museum contribute to its cultural tapestry.
Regrettably, Easton ranks among the most crime-ridden regions in Northampton County. Its crime rate stands 102% above the national average. A staggering 316% elevated violent crime rate than the national average plagues Easton, with an average crime occurrence every 18 minutes.
A population density of approximately 6,500 individuals per square mile translates to a potential 1 in 15 likelihood of falling victim to crime in Easton.
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Bethlehem
As Northampton County’s largest city with a populace of roughly 75,000, Bethlehem graces the banks of the Lehigh River. The city’s annual festive celebrations have earned it the moniker “Christmas City.” Its industrial legacy stems from its history as the former site of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
However, Bethlehem doesn’t escape danger, displaying a crime rate 38% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 76% higher than the national average, with a crime occurring on average every 23 minutes. With a population density of about 3,500 people per square mile, the possibility of becoming a crime victim stands at 1 in 20.
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Wilson
East of Easton along the Delaware River lies Wilson, a borough accommodating about 8,000 residents. Named after President Woodrow Wilson’s 1913 visit, the borough hosts the successful Wilson Area High School sports teams. Nonetheless, Wilson contends with its own safety concerns, boasting a crime rate 35% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate, surpassing the national average by 71%, translates to an average crime occurrence every 25 minutes. Wilson’s population density of about 6,000 inhabitants per square mile implies a 1 in 21 probability of encountering crime.
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Freemansburg
Situated south of Bethlehem along the Lehigh River, Freemansburg, home to around 2,600 residents, has its own history dating back to 1763. This borough, incorporated in 1856, houses Freemansburg Elementary School. Despite its small size, Freemansburg wrestles with elevated crime rates.
Its crime rate surpasses the national average by 32%, with a violent crime rate 67% higher than the national average. An average crime occurrence every 26 minutes poses a challenge. Freemansburg’s population density, about 4,000 individuals per square mile, equates to a 1 in 22 possibility of becoming a crime victim.
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West Easton
West of Easton along the Lehigh River, the borough of West Easton is home to about 1,300 residents. Founded in 1898 from parts of Williams Township and Palmer Township, it’s also the location of West Easton Elementary School. However, West Easton grapples with crime concerns, exhibiting a crime rate 30% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate stands 63% above the national average, with an average crime occurrence every 27 minutes. A population density of roughly 3,000 individuals per square mile indicates a 1 in 23 likelihood of encountering crime.
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Conclusion
In Northampton County, Pennsylvania, these five neighborhoods stand out as the most dangerous based on available data. While these statistics offer insight, it’s essential to recognize that crime can emerge anywhere and at any time.
Practicing vigilance, situational awareness, and precautionary measures such as securing doors and windows, avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night, promptly reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, and considering the installation of home security systems can contribute to personal safety, whether a resident or visitor in these areas.
