| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Harrisburg/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,377 | n/a (estimate) | 2,755 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 15 | n/a | 30.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 54.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 82 | n/a | 164.0 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 257 | n/a | 514.2 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 381 | n/a (estimate) | 762 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 167 | n/a | 334.1 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 586 | n/a | 1,172.3 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 243 | n/a | 486.1 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 996 | n/a (estimate) | 1,993 | 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 Harrisburg is 30% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 381 violent crimes reported in Harrisburg, equivalent to 762 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 112.3%. Additionally, Harrisburg recorded 996 property crimes, amounting to 1993 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 13.2%.
Harrisburg is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 762 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Harrisburg is 1 in 132.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Harrisburg has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 15 murders in Harrisburg, which is 30 murders per 100,000 people.
Harrisburg maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Harrisburg, 1993 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Harrisburg faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 243 vehicle thefts, translating to 486 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Harrisburg in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 206.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Harrisburg residents. Out of the respondents (86 in total), 29% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Harrisburg were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 71% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Harrisburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Harrisburg presents a total crime rate that is 30% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Harrisburg experiences an average of 3.77 daily crimes, comprising 1.04 violent incidents and 2.73 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Harrisburg has increased by 6.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Harrisburg is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 9.7%, while property crime has increased by 13.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Harrisburg.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Harrisburg crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Harrisburg has an unemployment rate of 6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Harrisburg, the cost of living is 8.43% lower than the national average.
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 Harrisburg, there are 4.62 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.
| Item | Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 230 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.6 | 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 |
| Shiremanstown, PA | 1,644 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Halifax, PA | 989 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Colony Park, PA | 1,159 | 43 | 248 | 291 |
| Marysville, PA | 2,607 | 112 | 224 | 336 |
| Boiling Springs, PA | 3,208 | 60 | 347 | 407 |
| New Cumberland, PA | 7,524 | 53 | 437 | 489 |
| Bainbridge, PA | 1,440 | 77 | 449 | 527 |
| Harrisburg, PA | 50,810 | 762 | 1,993 | 2,755 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Murray, UT | 50,780 | 278 | 3,319 | 3,597 |
| Wilson, NC | 50,769 | 579 | 2,403 | 2,982 |
| Cerritos, CA | 50,765 | 350 | 5,333 | 5,683 |
| West Lafayette, IN | 50,904 | 94 | 1,205 | 1,298 |
| San Jacinto, CA | 50,682 | 254 | 1,727 | 1,982 |
| Harrisburg, PA | 50,810 | 762 | 1,993 | 2,755 |
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