Top 10 most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, offers a unique living experience. From the bustling city life of Philadelphia to the scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania provides a diverse array of attractions. The state's rich cultural heritage is evident in its music, festivals, and historic sites. However, despite its many positives, Pennsylvania faces safety challenges in certain urban areas. The most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania are identified by their violent crime rates per 100,000 people, highlighting regions where extra caution is necessary. The contrast between Pennsylvania's cultural richness and urban crime issues underscores the complexities of life in this diverse state.

Efforts to improve safety in Pennsylvania involve a combination of enhanced law enforcement measures and community engagement programs aimed at preventing violence and crime. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the safety concerns that affect some of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. While these areas present significant challenges, they also highlight the potential for community-driven solutions and positive change. Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering safer environments is evident in its proactive measures and the resilience of its residents. The state's blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic opportunities continues to attract people, despite the complexities of urban safety concerns.

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McKeesport Population: 19,608 1,694 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 4.64 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,259

McKeesport, PA holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Pennsylvania with 1,694 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (1,466), robbery (162), rape (32) and homicide (32) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 590% higher than the Pennsylvania average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.

Ambridge Population: 6,861 1,387 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 3.80 chance of being a victim: 1 in 72 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,686

The second most dangerous city is Ambridge. With a population of 6,861 and a violent crime rate that is 465% higher than the Pennsylvania average, the city has seen better days. The higher than average crime rates in Ambridge are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,387 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Monessen Population: 7,442 1,063 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.91 chance of being a victim: 1 in 94 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,070

Home to 7,442 residents, Monessen, PA ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately for residents of Monessen, crime is widespread, with more than 1,063 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year. When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 2.91 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 333% higher than the Pennsylvania violent crime rate.

Philadelphia Population: 1,632,157 909 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.49 chance of being a victim: 1 in 110 Total Crimes / 100k: 5,457

With a violent crime rate that is 270% higher than the Pennsylvania average, it's not hard to see why Philadelphia made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (273), assault (572), rape (46) and homicide (17). In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Philadelphia more vulnerable to high crime.

Uniontown Population: 10,028 857 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.35 chance of being a victim: 1 in 117 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,148

The ongoing battle with crime in Uniontown, PA, is not a new issue - which is why there's no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 857 and a 1 in 117 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Uniontown has a violent crime rate that is 249% higher than the Pennsylvania average. Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Uniontown.

Bradford Population: 8,611 843 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.31 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,547

Bradford, PA comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 843 per 100,000 people, which is 243% higher than the Pennsylvania average. Bradford has a population of 8,611, which translates to 2.31 crimes per day and 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Bradford which are much safer than others.

Arnold Population: 5,024 840 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.30 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,390

A 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 2.30 violent crimes per day - those are some fairly good reasons why Arnold makes the list at #7. According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 840 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 242% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (732), robbery (43), rape (43) and homicide (22).

Steelton Population: 6,152 838 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.30 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,309

Steelton, PA is another one of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 6,152 and a violent crime rate of 838 per 100,000 people. Of those crimes, there were 743 counts of assault, 63 counts of robbery, 16 counts of rape and 16 counts of homicide. All told, the Steelton violent crime rate is 241% higher than the Pennsylvania average.

Plymouth Population: 5,986 834 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.29 chance of being a victim: 1 in 120 Total Crimes / 100k: 2,745

Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Plymouth, PA comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Pennsylvania with a violent crime rate of 834 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 2.29 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Darby Population: 11,011 831 violent crimes per 100k

violent crimes per day: 2.28 chance of being a victim: 1 in 120 Total Crimes / 100k: 3,457

Rounding out our list at #10 is Darby, PA. With a population of 11,011 and a violent crime rate of 831 per 100,000 people (238% higher than the Pennsylvania average), some parts of Darby are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 642 counts of assault, 123 counts of robbery, 47 counts of rape and 19 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	McKeesport	19,608	1,694	4,259
2	Ambridge	6,861	1,387	2,686
3	Monessen	7,442	1,063	3,070
4	Philadelphia	1,632,157	909	5,457
5	Uniontown	10,028	857	4,148
6	Bradford	8,611	843	3,547
7	Arnold	5,024	840	2,390
8	Steelton	6,152	838	2,309
9	Plymouth	5,986	834	2,745
10	Darby	11,011	831	3,457
11	Chester	35,117	831	2,819
12	Harrisburg	50,810	762	2,755
13	Pottstown	23,534	737	3,842
14	Duquesne	5,736	678	1,854
15	Sharon	13,388	653	2,117
16	Coatesville	13,546	619	2,444
17	Johnstown	19,980	586	3,221
18	Wilkinsburg	15,913	586	3,027
19	Jeannette	9,504	551	1,160
20	Folcroft	6,856	536	2,799
21	York	45,108	530	2,392
22	Warren	9,397	520	1,836
23	Butler	13,395	501	2,112
24	Moosic	6,005	484	1,435
25	Chambersburg	21,603	465	2,218
26	Shamokin	7,200	459	1,154
27	New Kensington	12,633	456	2,857
28	Norristown	35,552	450	2,410
29	Wilkes-Barre	41,994	432	1,989
30	Pittsburgh	310,293	427	2,707
31	Clairton	6,767	425	1,599
32	California	6,484	404	1,577
33	Meadville	13,127	403	1,935
34	Quakertown	9,091	380	1,378
35	Connellsville	7,597	380	3,133
36	West Mifflin	20,208	380	3,021
37	Coraopolis	5,637	379	1,326
38	Erie	100,285	376	2,305
39	Greenville	5,537	366	1,317
40	Somerset	6,058	359	803
41	Clifton Heights	6,877	339	1,431
42	Reading	90,906	337	1,772
43	Altoona	44,840	335	2,185
44	Bangor	5,407	333	1,135
45	Pottsville	13,838	329	1,677
46	Swissvale	8,899	318	2,235
47	Columbia	10,758	297	2,326
48	Titusville	5,358	292	584
49	Bridgeville	5,102	285	1,117
50	Collingdale	8,960	284	2,042

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime data (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) per 100,000 people and only included Pennsylvania cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying violent crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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Explore our interactive map to discover the most dangerous cities in each state across the USA. This map highlights the states with the highest crime rates, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. From urban centers facing economic hardships to regions grappling with social challenges, the map offers a visual representation of crime hotspots. Click on each state to learn more about its most dangerous cities, the types of crimes most prevalent, and the underlying causes behind these issues.