Pennsylvania is home to major historic cities, charming small towns, and scenic rural communities. But while many parts of the state remain safe for residents and tourists, some cities continue to struggle with high levels of violent and property crime.
Recent crime data shows that several Pennsylvania cities report crime rates far above the national average, particularly in areas dealing with poverty, unemployment, and drug-related offenses. From Philadelphia to McKeesport, these communities have seen ongoing concerns surrounding assaults, robberies, theft, and burglaries.
Quick Guide
- State: Pennsylvania
- Main Concerns: Violent crime, property crime, vehicle theft, robbery
- Most Dangerous City: McKees Rocks
- Largest High-Crime City: Philadelphia
- Common Crimes: Assault, burglary, theft, robbery
- Safest Travel Tip: Stay in well-reviewed areas and avoid isolated neighborhoods at night
- Source: Original crime statistics provided for this article; FBI Crime Data Explorer for official crime reporting: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/
How This List Was Ranked
This ranking is based on violent and property crime statistics gathered from public crime databases, including FBI crime reports and neighborhood safety data. Crime rates were measured per 1,000 residents to ensure fair comparisons across cities with different population sizes.
10. Johnstown
- Population: 18,245
- County: Cambria County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 26.13
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 21.78
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 4.35
Johnstown is the largest city in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and has a population of over 18,245 people. The city reports a crime rate of 26.13 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the areas with higher crime levels in the state. Its violent crime rate is around 4.35 incidents per 1,000 people.
Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 21.78 incidents per 1,000 residents. Overall, the chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Johnstown is about 1 in 38. Experts often link the city’s higher crime rates to economic challenges, including its relatively low median income.
9. Ambridge
- Population: 6,912
- County: Beaver County
- Crime rate per 1000 residents: 27.35
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 16.73
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 10.62
Ambridge, located in Beaver County, has a population of around 6,912 people. The city reports a crime rate of about 27.35 incidents per 1,000 residents, meaning crime remains a concern for many locals.
The violent crime rate is 10.62 per 1,000 people, which is above the national average. Property crime is also an issue, with a rate of 16.73 per 1,000 residents. Overall, the chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Ambridge are about 1 in 37.
8. Harrisburg
- Population: 49,209
- County: Dauphin County
- Crimes per 1000 residents: 31.23
- Property crimes per 1000 residents: 20.52
- Violent crimes per 1000 residents: 10.72
Harrisburg, located in Dauphin County, has an estimated population of around 49,209 people. The city reports about 31.23 crimes per 1,000 residents. Of these, property crimes account for roughly 20.52 incidents per 1,000 people, while violent crimes make up about 10.72 per 1,000 residents.
The city has a crime rate that is higher than the national average, especially for violent crimes. Because of this, both residents and visitors are encouraged to stay alert and take normal safety precautions.
7. Yeadon
- Population: 12,091
- County: Delaware County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 42.87
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 36.66
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 6.21
Yeadon is located in Delaware County and has a population of more than 12,000 people. The city has a crime rate of 42.87 incidents per 1,000 residents, making it one of the more dangerous places to live in the area due to high levels of violent and property crime.
Violent crime in the city occurs at a rate of 6.21 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is much higher at 36.66 per 1,000 residents. Because of these crime levels, people living in the city are encouraged to stay alert and take extra steps to protect themselves and their property.
6. Pottstown
- Population: 22,667
- County: Montgomery County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 45.74
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 37.99
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 7.75
Pottstown is a town in Montgomery County with a population of around 23,000 people. The city has a higher crime rate than the national average, with about 45.74 crimes reported per 1,000 residents.
Violent crimes occur at a rate of 7.75 per 1,000 people, while property crimes are much more common at nearly 38 incidents per 1,000 residents. Overall, the chances of becoming a crime victim in Pottstown are relatively high, with about 1 in 22 people affected.
5. McKeesport
- Population: 19,225
- County: Allegheny County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 46
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 30
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 15.99
McKeesport is located in Allegheny County and has a population of around 19,225 people. The city records an estimated crime rate of 46 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime being the biggest concern. Around 276 violent crimes are reported each year.
Residents have about a 1 in 63 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Experts often link the city’s higher crime levels to issues like poverty and unemployment. Property crime is also a concern, with about 30 cases reported per 1,000 residents.
4. Chester
- Population: 33,982
- County: Delaware County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 50.31
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 38.01
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 12.29
Chester is located in Delaware County near Philadelphia and has a population of over 33,982 people. The city is considered one of the more dangerous places to live because of its high crime rates. Chester records about 50.31 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Violent crime in the city is reported at 12.29 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crime stands at 38.01 per 1,000 residents. Because of these numbers, people living in Chester face a greater risk of becoming victims of crime compared to many other parts of the country.
3. Darby
- Population: 10,664
- County: Delaware County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 50.69
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 38.44
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 12.25
Darby City is considered one of the least desirable places to live in Pennsylvania. Located in Delaware County, the city has a population of over 10,664 residents. Crime remains a major concern, with an overall crime rate of 50.69 incidents per 1,000 people each year.
Violent crime occurs at a rate of 12.25 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 38.44. Common violent offenses in the area include assault, robbery, and murder. Many experts link the city’s high crime levels to ongoing economic struggles, as a large number of residents earn less than $35,000 annually. Because of these challenges, Darby is often ranked among the worst cities to live in Pennsylvania.
2. Philadelphia
- Population: 1,527,886
- County: Philadelphia County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 60.96
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 51.06
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 9.90
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, with a population of more than 1.5 million people. However, it also has a high crime rate, making safety a concern for many residents and visitors. The city reports about 60.96 crimes per 1,000 residents, including both violent and property crimes. Because of this, people living in Philadelphia face a relatively high risk of becoming crime victims.
According to US News & World Report, Philadelphia was ranked as the 17th most dangerous city in the United States. Violent crimes occur at a rate of 9.90 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crimes are much higher at 51.06 per 1,000 residents.
Statistics show that residents have about a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Motor vehicle theft is especially common in the city, contributing to Philadelphia’s reputation as one of the more dangerous cities in Pennsylvania.
1. McKees Rocks
- Population: 5,827
- County: Allegheny County
- Crime per 1000 residents: 65.14
- Property crime per 1000 residents: 49.52
- Violent crime per 1000 residents: 15.63
McKees Rocks is considered the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania. Located in Allegheny County, the city has a population of about 5,827 people and faces much higher crime levels than the national average.
The city reports around 65.14 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 15.63 incidents per 1,000 people, while property crime is even higher at 49.52 incidents.
Residents and visitors face a greater risk of crime here compared to many other parts of the United States. Common crimes in the area include aggravated assault, robbery, and burglary. Experts often link the city’s high crime rate to ongoing issues such as poverty and unemployment.
Also Read: 10 Florida Cities With High Violent Crime Rates: What Travelers Should Know
Also Read: 10 Maryland Cities With High Crime Rates, According to Crime Statistics
Also Read: These 10 California Cities Report Violent Crime Rates Above the State Average
Final Thoughts
While these cities report some of the highest crime rates in Pennsylvania, crime can vary significantly by neighborhood and time of day. Many communities continue investing in redevelopment, policing, and safety programs aimed at reducing crime and improving quality of life.
For travelers, awareness and preparation remain the best ways to stay safe while exploring the Keystone State.
