let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
State PrideNeed to Know

Here Are The 10 Most Dangerous Places In Pennsylvania

Roadsnacks ranks the most crime-ridden cities in Pennsylvania based on crime statistics.

Updated Apr 3, 2023

Written by 

Christi Danner

Have you ever wondered which places in Pennsylvania rank as the most crime-ridden? Well, wonder no more. Roadsnacks has compiled data to find out the worst places to live in Pennsylvania, according to crime statistics. However, there are still many great reasons to visit these cities.  And without any further ado:

1. Chester

alt
Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones

Your chances of becoming the victim of a crime in Chester are one in 18. Oof.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,383

Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,005 Learn about the history of Chester:

2. McKeesport

A city street decorated for the holidays, featuring cars parked along the road and buildings in the background.
Jon Dawson/Flickr

The overall crime rate in McKeesport is 150% higher than the national average (yikes), and more than 250% higher than the state average.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,531

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,759

3. Pottstown

A street scene with historic buildings, parked cars, and a person crossing the road under a blue sky with clouds.
Montgomery County Planning Commission/Flickr

Pottstown is, unfortunately, the third-most dangerous city in Pennsylvania. It also has the third-highest property crime rate in the state.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 717

Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,105

4. Wilkinsburg

Highway exit signs for Wilkinsburg and Forest Hills, with clear directions and distances visible.
Jon Dawson/Flickr

This little spot has the highest murder rate in all of Pennsylvania. In 2019, there were 11 murders, which may not sound like much, but when you factor in the low population (

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 779

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,618 Get an in-depth look at Wilkinsburg:

5. New Kensington

A snowy street scene featuring shops, parked cars, and a mix of modern and historic buildings.
Jon Dawson/Flickr

New Kensington is situated on the Allegheny River, just northeast of Pittsburgh. Here, you have a 1 in 37 chance of being a victim of property crime.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 529

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,648

6. Harrisburg

alt
Wikimedia Commons/kev72

Harrisburg may be our state capital, but it's not exactly a safe haven.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 900

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,172 Learn about the history of Harrisburg:

7. Wilkes-Barre

A stone bridge arches over a river, reflecting in the water under a cloudy sky, surrounded by greenery.
John Morgan/Flickr

Wilkes-Barre is a pretty little town, but it also has the fourth-highest burglary rate in the state!

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 594

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2092

8. Swatara Township

Community event with tents, a police vehicle, and people socializing in a lively outdoor setting.
Swatara Township/Facebook

Swatara Township has surprisingly little violent crime for its position on this list, but property crime is through the roof.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 285

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,950

9. Darby Township

Two cars are parked closely together on a dimly lit street, with police lights flashing in the background.
Darby Township Police Department/Facebook

Darby Township is southwest of downtown Philly, and it's the ninth-most dangerous place in the state.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 734

Property Crimes Per 100k: 1901

10. Allentown

Monument with statues and flags, located at a street intersection in a city, surrounded by trees and buildings.
Paul Sableman/Flickr

Coming in at number 10 on our list of worst cities in PA is Allentown. Allentown is the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania and was the largest share of citizens living in poverty in the entire country.

Violent Crimes Per 100k: 386

Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,283

What would you add to this list from your own experience? What do you think are the worst places to live in PA, and what is the best? Share in the comments! We love to hear from you. Be sure to check out some of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Lakefront Airbnb in New York Is an Adventure Lover’s Paradise

This pet-friendly, four-season cabin on Lake Ontario comes with a private dock, hot tub, kayaks. and its own bar room called the Lakehouse Saloon.

by Megan Todaro
on Jul 18
An interior view from the kitchen in this lakefront cabin Airbnb looking out toward the lake.
Nature

Love Jenny Lake? Try This Hidden Wyoming Lake Instead

Trade the busy shores of Jenny Lake for this peaceful escape in Grand Teton National Park, known for its pristine water, scenic trails, and serene views.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jul 18
The Teton Mountains and a thick pine forest create the perfect backdrop for Leigh Lake in Grand Teton National Park.
Nature

This Ominously Named Hike Is Actually One of Missouri’s Best Trails

Zombie Road sounds like a scary hiking trail in Missouri, but it’s all fiction and no fact, so put aside paranormal encounters and embrace nature instead.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jul 18
A an old bridge leading to a hiking path in the woods on Zombie Trail aka Rock Hollow Trail in Missouri.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Beautiful Lake in Indiana That Most People Have Never Heard Of

Tucked away and often overlooked, this stunning lake in Indiana offers incredible views and peaceful surroundings. Here’s why it’s worth the trip.

by Jacki Mick
on Jul 18
Wide view of Deam Lake, Indiana reflecting white clouds and blue sky surrounded by green forest.
Nature
Hiking

The Marginal Way Sounds Intense, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Maine

It might sound like a scary hiking trail in Maine, but the Marginal Way is one of the best ways to get right up to the Pine Tree State's beautiful coastal cliffs.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jul 18
A view out on the water from a rocky cove on the Marginal Way in Maine.