| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pottstown/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 896 | n/a (estimate) | 3,842 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 25 | n/a | 107.2 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 30 | n/a | 128.6 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 117 | n/a | 501.6 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 172 | n/a (estimate) | 737 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 67 | n/a | 287.3 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 607 | n/a | 2,602.5 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 50 | n/a | 214.4 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 724 | n/a (estimate) | 3,104 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
The Pottstown crime rates are 81.3% 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 172 violent crimes in Pottstown (737 per 100,000 people), which is 105.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 724 property crimes (3104 per 100,000 residents) which is 76.4% higher than average.
Pottstown ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 737 per 100,000 people, Pottstown is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 136 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Pottstown, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Pottstown experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Pottstown? Well, based on a recent survey of 51 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 20% of Pottstown residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 80% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Pottstown 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. Pottstown has a total crime rate that is 81% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.45 daily crimes (0.47 violent daily crimes and 1.98 daily property crimes) in Pottstown.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Pottstown. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Pottstown has increased by 3.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 5.5%, while property crimes have increased by 2.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Pottstown has a poverty rate of 15.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Pottstown, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Pottstown crime rates.
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 Pottstown, the average monthly rent stands at $1,512, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Pottstown | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 58 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Spinnerstown, PA | 1,732 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Devon, PA | 1,869 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Woxall, PA | 1,519 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Eagleview, PA | 1,920 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Milford Square, PA | 1,348 | 38 | 220 | 258 |
| Evansburg, PA | 2,128 | 39 | 225 | 264 |
| Elverson, PA | 1,408 | 44 | 259 | 304 |
| Pottstown, PA | 23,534 | 737 | 3,104 | 3,842 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lutz, FL | 23,561 | 112 | 596 | 709 |
| Kenmore, WA | 23,567 | 65 | 1,007 | 1,072 |
| Morton Grove, IL | 23,479 | 46 | 1,135 | 1,182 |
| Marshall, TX | 23,589 | 345 | 1,575 | 1,919 |
| East San Gabriel, CA | 23,601 | 227 | 971 | 1,198 |
| Pottstown, PA | 23,534 | 737 | 3,104 | 3,842 |
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