| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Shippensburg/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 65 | n/a (estimate) | 1,154 | 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 | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 106.6 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 107 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 71.0 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 48 | n/a | 852.4 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 124.3 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 59 | n/a (estimate) | 1,048 | 1,435 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Shippensburg is 45.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Shippensburg, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 107 per 100,000 individuals, 70.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 59 property crimes, amounting to 1048 per 100,000 residents, 40.5% lower than the U.S. average.
Shippensburg stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 107 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Shippensburg secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Shippensburg 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Shippensburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Shippensburg presents a total crime rate that is 46% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Shippensburg experiences an average of 0.18 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.16 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Shippensburg. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Shippensburg has increased by 38.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 14.3%, while property crime has increased by 47.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Shippensburg.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Shippensburg crime rates. The population density in Shippensburg is 2894 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Shippensburg has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.81 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In Shippensburg, the average rental rates are $1,221 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Shippensburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Newville, PA | 1,272 | 0 | 360 | 360 |
| Biglerville, PA | 1,309 | 0 | 400 | 400 |
| Guilford, PA | 3,698 | 65 | 380 | 445 |
| Mont Alto, PA | 1,826 | 94 | 547 | 641 |
| Fayetteville, PA | 2,938 | 97 | 564 | 660 |
| Marion, PA | 1,596 | 99 | 576 | 675 |
| Scotland, PA | 763 | 184 | 1,071 | 1,254 |
| Shippensburg, PA | 5,760 | 107 | 1,048 | 1,154 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Williamson, AZ | 5,760 | 137 | 583 | 720 |
| Garnet, CA | 5,759 | 567 | 2,425 | 2,992 |
| Siesta Key, FL | 5,758 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Old Fig Garden, CA | 5,758 | 335 | 1,431 | 1,765 |
| Mecca, CA | 5,763 | 626 | 2,676 | 3,301 |
| Shippensburg, PA | 5,760 | 107 | 1,048 | 1,154 |