Pennsylvania boasts a rich tapestry of history, breathtaking scenery, and bustling urban centers like Philadelphia. However, lurking beneath its picturesque exterior lies a sobering reality: the specter of violent crime. Join us as we delve into the top ten most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania for the year 2023, shedding light on the state’s darker side.
Across Pennsylvania, communities of all sizes have grappled with alarming levels of violent incidents, starkly contrasting with the state’s otherwise tranquil reputation.
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while Pennsylvania offers many appealing residential options, these cities warrant careful consideration when selecting a neighborhood.
Our methodology for identifying Pennsylvania’s most perilous cities focused on violent crime rates and homicide rates per 100,000 residents. This approach provides a comprehensive overview of each city’s safety profile.
To ensure accuracy, we only considered cities with populations exceeding 10,000. This threshold helps mitigate skewed crime rates often observed in smaller towns due to isolated events disproportionately impacting their statistics.
Violent crime rates, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, were scrutinized per 100,000 residents. This standardized metric enables equitable comparisons across cities of varying sizes.
Data drawn from the Uniform Crime Reporting Program and the FBI, primarily from 2021 or 2022, served as the cornerstone of our analysis.
1. Allentown
– County: Lehigh County
– Population: 120,915
– Homicide Rate: 8.2 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 386 per 100,000 People
Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, emerges atop our list of the state’s most dangerous locales. While boasting a relatively modest murder rate compared to its counterparts, the city grapples with an array of criminal activities, including burglary and arson.
2. Erie
– County: Erie County
– Population: 97,263
– Homicide Rate: 9.4 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 496.7 per 100,000 People
Nestled in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, Erie confronts a troubling homicide rate nearly double the state and national averages. Additionally, the city contends with elevated levels of assault, burglary, and property crime.
3. New Kensington
– County: Westmoreland County
– Population: 12,273
– Violent Crime Rate: 529 per 100,000 People
Despite exceeding the national average for violent crime by 33.6%, New Kensington grapples with notable property crime issues, exposing residents to significant risks of victimization.
4. Wilkes-Barre
– County: Luzerne County
– Population: 40,867
– Homicide Rate: 7.4 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 594.3 per 100,000 People
Wilkes-Barre’s elevated crime rates, particularly in murder and violent offenses, underscore the city’s challenges. Economic hardships further complicate efforts to address crime effectively.
5. Pottstown
– County: Montgomery County
– Population: 22,667
– Homicide Rate: 22 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 718 per 100,000 People
Marked by violence and poverty, Pottstown grapples with economic adversities reflected in lower household incomes and depressed property values.
6. Wilkinsburg
– County: Allegheny County
– Population: 15,389
– Violent Crime Rate: 779 per 100,000 People
Despite its small size, Wilkinsburg contends with significant crime rates, earning its place among Pennsylvania’s most dangerous locales. Economic hardships exacerbate the city’s crime challenges.
7. Harrisburg
– County: Dauphin County
– Population: 49,209
– Homicide Rate: 26.4 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 900.5 per 100,000 People
Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg, grapples with elevated levels of violence and poverty, exacerbated by high unemployment rates.
8. Philadelphia
– County: Philadelphia County
– Population: 1,527,886
– Homicide Rate: 25.2 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 1011.1 per 100,000 People
Philadelphia’s status as Pennsylvania’s largest city belies its severe inequality and crime issues, particularly in areas like North and West Philadelphia, where criminal activity is prevalent.
9. Chester
– County: Delaware County
– Population: 33,982
– Homicide Rate: 53.1 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 1,383.3 per 100,000 People
Facing economic struggles and environmental challenges, Chester grapples with high crime rates, underscoring the city’s urgent need for revitalization.
10. McKeesport
– County: Allegheny County
– Population: 19,225
– Homicide Rate: 33.7 per 100,000 Residents
– Violent Crime Rate: 1,531.4 per 100,000 People
McKeesport contends with significant violence and poverty, stemming from economic decline and job loss. High property crime rates further impact residents’ safety.
These cities offer a glimpse into Pennsylvania’s multifaceted landscape, highlighting both its allure and its challenges. While each city faces distinct issues, addressing underlying socioeconomic factors is imperative to fostering safer communities statewide.