| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wilkinsburg/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 413 | n/a (estimate) | 3,027 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 14.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 66.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 20 | n/a | 146.6 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 49 | n/a | 359.1 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 80 | n/a (estimate) | 586 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 73 | n/a | 535.0 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 165 | n/a | 1,209.2 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 95 | n/a | 696.2 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 333 | n/a (estimate) | 2,440 | 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 Wilkinsburg crime rate is higher than the national average by 42.8%. Specifically, there were 80 violent crimes in Wilkinsburg, equivalent to 586 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 63.3%. Furthermore, Wilkinsburg recorded 333 property crimes, amounting to 2440 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 38.6%.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Wilkinsburg stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Wilkinsburg, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 15 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
With a total of 95 vehicle thefts last year, Wilkinsburg has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 696 per 100,000 people. This lands Wilkinsburg in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 144.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Wilkinsburg. Based on the results of the surveys (17 responses), 35% of people felt that there was very little crime in Wilkinsburg and felt safe walking alone at night. While 65% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Wilkinsburg 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. Wilkinsburg has a total crime rate that is 43% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.13 daily crimes (0.22 violent daily crimes and 0.91 daily property crimes) in Wilkinsburg.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Wilkinsburg. 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 Wilkinsburg has decreased by 21%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 17.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Wilkinsburg.
Wilkinsburg has a poverty rate of 26.2, 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 Wilkinsburg, 85.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Wilkinsburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.69 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Wilkinsburg | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 27 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| West Leechburg, PA | 1,419 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 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 |
| Wilkinsburg, PA | 15,913 | 586 | 2,440 | 3,027 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Middleburg Heights, OH | 15,913 | 214 | 1,130 | 1,344 |
| Frankfort, IN | 15,906 | 110 | 1,061 | 1,171 |
| Welby, CO | 15,922 | 555 | 3,026 | 3,581 |
| Powder Springs, GA | 15,899 | 264 | 1,359 | 1,623 |
| Coto de Caza, CA | 15,939 | 198 | 848 | 1,046 |
| Wilkinsburg, PA | 15,913 | 586 | 2,440 | 3,027 |
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