11 Safest Cities in Pennsylvania

By: ROS Team

When considering a place to live, safety is often a top priority for both individuals and families. Luckily, Pennsylvania provides numerous secure and inviting cities that residents can proudly call home. In this article, we will delve into the 11 safest places to live in Pennsylvania. These rankings are based on crime rates, community engagement, and overall quality of life.

Safest Places to Live in PA

1. Upper St. Clair

Population: 19,737
Violent Crime Rate: 159 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 671 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Upper St. Clair, located in Allegheny County, is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Pennsylvania. This suburb of Pittsburgh is a popular choice for families due to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and low crime rates.

2. Murrysville

Population: 20,833
Violent Crime Rate: 20 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 466/100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Also in Allegheny County, Murrysville boasts a low crime rate and offers residents a suburban feel while still being close to the amenities of Pittsburgh. The strong sense of community in this city contributes to its safety and overall quality of life.

3. Jefferson Hills

Population: 12,366
Violent Crime Rate: 273 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 1,151/100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Jefferson Hills, located in the southern part of Allegheny County, offers a mix of suburban and rural living. With numerous parks and recreational opportunities, it’s a great place for families looking for a safe and active community.

4. Newtown Township

Population: 19,649
Violent Crime Rate: 61 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 258/100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

In Delaware County, Newtown Township is known for its safety and strong community involvement. It’s conveniently located near Philadelphia, making it a great option for commuters.

5. Fox Chapel

Population: 5,270
Violent Crime Rate: 0 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 245/100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Fox Chapel, a small borough located just outside of Pittsburgh, boasts an affluent community and renowned schools. With a population of slightly over 5,000 people, it offers a safe haven characterized by its exceptionally low crime rate – a remarkable 0.0 violent crimes per 100k residents.

6. Franklin Park

Population: 15,319
Violent Crime Rate: 149 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 626 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Franklin Park is a township located in Allegheny County. It has a population of over 15,000 people, and it’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. Franklin Park also has a very low crime rate, with a violent crime rate 62% lower than the national average.

7. Turtle Creek

Population: 5,046
Violent Crime Rate: 39 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 231 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Turtle Creek, a borough nestled in Allegheny County, boasts a population of over 5,000 individuals. Renowned for its diverse community and thriving arts scene, Turtle Creek also prides itself on maintaining a low crime rate. In fact, its incidence of violent crimes is an impressive 90% lower than the national average.

8. Bellefonte

Population: 6,079
Violent Crime Rate: 324 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 1368 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Bellefonte is a borough located in Centre County. It has a population of over 6,000 people, and it’s known for its historic downtown area and proximity to Penn State University. Bellefonte also has a low crime rate, with violent crime and property crime lower than the national average.

9. Whitehall

Population: 27,714
Violent Crime Rate: 387 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 1630 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Whitehall is a township located in Lehigh County. It has a population of over 25,000 people, and it’s known for its excellent schools and parks. The violent crime rate and property crime rate here is similar to the Pennsylvania average.

10. Pleasant Hills

Population: 8,382
Violent Crime Rate: 0 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 678 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Pleasant Hills is a borough located in Allegheny County. It has a population of over 8,000 people, and it’s known for its family-friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. Just like Fox Chapel, Pleasant Hills has a zero violent crime rate.

11. Collegeville

Population: 4,976
Violent Crime Rate: 20 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 390 /100k People)
Property Crime Rate: 352 /100k People (Pennsylvania Average: 1,644 /100k People)

Collegeville is another one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. It is a borough located in Montgomery County. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 5,000 people, and it’s known for its excellent schools and proximity to Ursinus College.

Is Pennsylvania Safe?

Pennsylvania is generally considered a safe state for residents. It boasts an overall crime rate that falls slightly below the national average.

However, it’s important to note that there are variations in crime rates across different areas within the state. Certain cities and neighborhoods may experience higher crime rates compared to others.

The crime rates in Pennsylvania are noteworthy. The violent crime rate stands at 3.8 per 1,000 people, while the property crime rate reaches 16.4 per 1,000 people.

Safest Places to Live in PA: Takeaway

In conclusion, Pennsylvania offers a range of safe and welcoming cities for residents to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful suburban setting, a strong sense of community, or excellent schools for your children, these 11 cities have you covered. These cities are not only safe but also the best places to live in Pennsylvania.