| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Swarthmore/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 750 | 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 | 91.8 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 92 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 30.6 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 40 | n/a | 612.1 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 15.3 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 658 | 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 Swarthmore crime rate is lower than the national average by 64.6%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Swarthmore, equivalent to 92 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 74.4%. Furthermore, Swarthmore recorded 43 property crimes, amounting to 658 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 62.6%.
With a crime rate of 750, significantly below the national average of 2119, Swarthmore stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Swarthmore shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 92 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Swarthmore an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Swarthmore reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Swarthmore records a property crime rate of 658 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Swarthmore as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Swarthmore residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 100% of Swarthmore residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 0% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Swarthmore a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Swarthmore crime rate is 65% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.13 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Swarthmore crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Swarthmore has increased by 53.1% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 200% and property crime has increased by 43.3%.
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 Swarthmore, 97% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Swarthmore, the cost of living is 34.95% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
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 Swarthmore, there are 1.45 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 | Swarthmore | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Malvern, PA | 3,530 | 29 | 204 | 233 |
| Rose Valley, PA | 1,190 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Devon, PA | 1,869 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Pitman, NJ | 8,979 | 22 | 286 | 308 |
| Wyncote, PA | 3,459 | 47 | 273 | 320 |
| Berwyn, PA | 3,736 | 47 | 273 | 320 |
| Greenville, DE | 2,501 | 57 | 274 | 331 |
| Swarthmore, PA | 6,531 | 92 | 658 | 750 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lynchburg, Moore County, TN | 6,531 | 351 | 1,204 | 1,554 |
| Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL | 6,530 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Carrollton, VA | 6,533 | 131 | 943 | 1,074 |
| Dillon, SC | 6,529 | 2,372 | 6,667 | 9,038 |
| Huntington Woods, MI | 6,528 | 32 | 305 | 337 |
| Swarthmore, PA | 6,531 | 92 | 658 | 750 |
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