| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Mifflin/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 565 | n/a (estimate) | 3,021 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 37.4 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 32.1 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 56 | n/a | 299.4 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 380 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 44 | n/a | 235.2 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 422 | n/a | 2,256.1 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 149.7 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 494 | n/a (estimate) | 2,641 | 1,435 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in West Mifflin is 42.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 71 violent crimes reported in West Mifflin, equivalent to 380 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 5.7%. Additionally, West Mifflin recorded 494 property crimes, amounting to 2641 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 50.1%.
West Mifflin exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 380 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores West Mifflin as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, West Mifflin ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In West Mifflin, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of West Mifflin residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 75% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in West Mifflin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 25% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is West Mifflin 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, West Mifflin has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 43%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.55 daily incidents, encompassing 0.19 violent crimes and 1.35 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of West Mifflin as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Mifflin has increased by 363.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West Mifflin, 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 144.8%, while property crime has increased by 431.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Mifflin is a safe place to live.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. West Mifflin, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
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 West Mifflin, there are 1.81 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.
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 West Mifflin, the average monthly rent stands at $944, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | West Mifflin | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 37 | 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 |
| Port Vue, PA | 3,750 | 0 | 28 | 28 |
| Manor, PA | 3,399 | 29 | 29 | 57 |
| Turtle Creek, PA | 5,328 | 21 | 41 | 62 |
| Irwin, PA | 3,885 | 43 | 87 | 130 |
| Heidelberg, PA | 1,267 | 0 | 163 | 163 |
| Plum, PA | 28,078 | 61 | 153 | 214 |
| Blawnox, PA | 1,612 | 0 | 217 | 217 |
| West Mifflin, PA | 20,208 | 380 | 2,641 | 3,021 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stillwater, MN | 20,207 | 83 | 865 | 949 |
| Seymour, IN | 20,201 | 46 | 1,564 | 1,610 |
| North Bay Shore, NY | 20,198 | 418 | 1,892 | 2,311 |
| Upper St. Clair, PA | 20,221 | 100 | 585 | 686 |
| West Hempstead, NY | 20,191 | 199 | 900 | 1,099 |
| West Mifflin, PA | 20,208 | 380 | 2,641 | 3,021 |