| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Downingtown/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 184 | n/a (estimate) | 2,185 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 35.6 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 59.4 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 95 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 47.5 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 158 | n/a | 1,876.3 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 166.3 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 176 | n/a (estimate) | 2,090 | 1,435 | 1,760 |

The Downingtown crime rates are 3.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 8 violent crimes in Downingtown (95 per 100,000 people), which is 73.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 176 property crimes (2090 per 100,000 residents) which is 18.7% higher than average.
When evaluating the Downingtown crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Downingtown crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
With only 95 incidents per 100,000 people, Downingtown boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Downingtown has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Downingtown recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Downingtown. Based on the results of the surveys (15 responses), 80% of people felt that there was very little crime in Downingtown and felt safe walking alone at night. While 20% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Downingtown is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Downingtown has a total crime rate that is 3% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.5 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.48 daily property crimes) in Downingtown.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Downingtown crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Downingtown has increased by 7.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 11.1% and property crime has increased by 8.6%.
In Downingtown, 88.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Downingtown, the cost of living is 13.35% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Downingtown, there are 2.38 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

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| Item | Downingtown | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Parkesburg, PA | 3,995 | 96 | 58 | 154 |
| Malvern, PA | 3,530 | 29 | 204 | 233 |
| Devon, PA | 1,869 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Eagleview, PA | 1,920 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Evansburg, PA | 2,128 | 39 | 225 | 264 |
| Elverson, PA | 1,408 | 44 | 259 | 304 |
| Toughkenamon, PA | 1,091 | 46 | 269 | 315 |
| Downingtown, PA | 8,331 | 95 | 2,090 | 2,185 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA | 8,331 | 322 | 2,438 | 2,760 |
| Alliance, NE | 8,330 | 237 | 885 | 1,122 |
| Hempstead, TX | 8,329 | 433 | 1,503 | 1,936 |
| Whitefish, MT | 8,333 | 124 | 1,088 | 1,213 |
| Monona, WI | 8,334 | 35 | 3,137 | 3,172 |
| Downingtown, PA | 8,331 | 95 | 2,090 | 2,185 |