Pennsylvania has a lot of interesting history, beautiful scenery, and lively towns, but it also has problems with crime and safety. FBI statistics from the last few years shows that there are some cities in Pennsylvania with high rates of both violent and property crimes. Let’s find out what makes these places unique.
The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Pennsylvania:
- McKees Rocks: A small borough in Allegheny County with about 6,000 people. It’s considered the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania, with a crime rate much higher than the national average.
- Darby: Found in Delaware County with around 10,000 residents. It has a high chance of crime happening to its residents, and many people there live with low incomes.
- Chester: Also in Delaware County, with over 32,000 people. The crime rate here is well above the state average, and homes are relatively cheap.
- McKeesport: Another city in Allegheny County, home to about 17,000 people. Crime is pretty common here, with residents having a moderate chance of being victims.
- Yeadon: Located in Delaware County with a population around 11,000. Crime rates here are concerning, with residents facing a notable risk of becoming victims.
- Ambridge: This borough in Beaver County also has a fair share of crime.
- Philadelphia: Being the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia struggles with crime more than most. Its violent crime rate is notably high.
- Pottstown: In Montgomery County with a population of about 23,000. Crime rates here are higher than in many other places in Pennsylvania.
- Reading: A big city in Berks County with around 95,000 people. Crime rates are higher than average here, with a considerable number of property and violent crimes reported.
- Johnstown: With around 18,000 residents, this city’s crime rate is higher than the state average, but lower compared to some others on this list.
Factors Behind High Crime Rates:
Several things contribute to crime in these cities, like poverty, lack of jobs, and lower education levels. Most of these cities have below-average high school graduation rates, and many residents live in poverty. Economic issues are a big part too, with low household incomes and higher poverty rates than the national average. Some cities also have fewer police officers compared to others with similar crime rates.
Conclusion:
The FBI’s data shows that these cities need comprehensive plans to tackle crime and make them safer. By focusing on things like community building, education, and smart law enforcement, these places can work towards lowering crime rates and making life better for everyone. It’s essential for local governments, police, and community groups to work together and use proven methods to address the reasons behind crime and build stronger, safer communities.