| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ephrata/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 317 | n/a (estimate) | 932 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 8.8 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 2.9 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 17.6 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 29 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 29.4 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 291 | n/a | 855.6 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 17.6 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 903 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ephrata is 56% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes reported in Ephrata, equivalent to 29 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 91.8%. Additionally, Ephrata recorded 307 property crimes, amounting to 903 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 48.7%.
Ephrata has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 29 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Ephrata ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Ephrata registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ephrata residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ephrata were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Ephrata 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. Ephrata has a total crime rate that is 56% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.87 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.84 daily property crimes) in Ephrata.
Ephrata reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Ephrata crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Ephrata, the cost of living is 0.43% lower than the national average.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ephrata, the average monthly rent stands at $1,342, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Ephrata | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Cornwall, PA | 4,455 | 44 | 29 | 73 |
| Womelsdorf, PA | 2,997 | 35 | 69 | 104 |
| Spring Ridge, PA | 1,030 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Alleghenyville, PA | 1,045 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Strasburg, PA | 3,105 | 0 | 259 | 259 |
| Paradise, PA | 1,147 | 46 | 267 | 313 |
| Blue Ball, PA | 1,124 | 49 | 288 | 338 |
| Ephrata, PA | 14,211 | 29 | 903 | 932 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oneonta, NY | 14,213 | 507 | 2,294 | 2,801 |
| Whitefish Bay, WI | 14,209 | 14 | 936 | 949 |
| D'Iberville, MS | 14,203 | 121 | 783 | 904 |
| Bridgetown, OH | 14,203 | 261 | 1,377 | 1,638 |
| Orange, CT | 14,220 | 42 | 3,505 | 3,547 |
| Ephrata, PA | 14,211 | 29 | 903 | 932 |
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