| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | State College/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 528 | n/a (estimate) | 917 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 43 | n/a | 74.7 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 10.4 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 67.7 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 88 | n/a (estimate) | 153 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 28 | n/a | 48.6 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 401 | n/a | 696.4 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 19.1 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 440 | n/a (estimate) | 764 | 1,435 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the State College crime rate is lower than the national average by 56.7%. Specifically, there were 88 violent crimes in State College, equivalent to 153 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 57.4%. Furthermore, State College recorded 440 property crimes, amounting to 764 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 56.6%.
During the most recently reported crime year, State College 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in State College. Based on the results of the surveys (26 responses), 92% of people felt that there was very little crime in State College and felt safe walking alone at night. While 8% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is State College a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, State College has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 57%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.45 daily incidents, encompassing 0.24 violent crimes and 1.21 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of State College as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in State College has decreased by 12.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of State College, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 63%, while property crime has decreased by 19.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not State College is a safe place to live.
In State College, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, 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 State College crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In State College, 95.9% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In State College, the average rental rates are $1,616 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | State College | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 76 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Bellefonte, PA | 6,492 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Houserville, PA | 1,829 | 35 | 202 | 237 |
| Pine Grove Mills, PA | 1,677 | 38 | 224 | 263 |
| Toftrees, PA | 2,234 | 39 | 225 | 264 |
| Stormstown, PA | 2,513 | 39 | 225 | 264 |
| Zion, PA | 2,806 | 43 | 252 | 295 |
| Lemont, PA | 2,495 | 51 | 295 | 346 |
| State College, PA | 43,467 | 153 | 764 | 917 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Midland, MI | 43,447 | 122 | 656 | 777 |
| Linden, NJ | 43,551 | 263 | 1,720 | 1,983 |
| Mankato, MN | 43,578 | 256 | 2,610 | 2,865 |
| Apache Junction, AZ | 43,334 | 426 | 1,512 | 1,938 |
| West Babylon, NY | 43,319 | 313 | 1,418 | 1,732 |
| State College, PA | 43,467 | 153 | 764 | 917 |