Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Pennsylvania, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Within the diverse landscape of Pennsylvania, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in Pennsylvania. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is Pennsylvania Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 43,887 | 60,874 | 10,199 |
| Rate per 1000 | 20.2 | 28.01 | 4.69 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Pennsylvania. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
Pennsylvania’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Pennsylvania has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Pennsylvania, the rate of violent crimes is 20.2 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rate in Pennsylvania compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Pennsylvania in relation to the broader national landscape.
Pennsylvania’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,112 | 4,839 | 29,572 | 3,886 | 68 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.51 | 2.23 | 13.61 | 3.82 | 0.03 |
| Population | 2,173,050 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s murder crime rate is 0.51, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.07 by 629%.
- On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 2.23, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.44 by 407%.
- The assault crime rate of the state stands at 13.61, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 381%.
- Robbery is a significant concern in Pennsylvania, with a crime rate of 3.82, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 506%.
- The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.11 by 73%.
Pennsylvania’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
Pennsylvania has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Pennsylvania, the rate of property crimes is 28.01 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Pennsylvania compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
Pennsylvania’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 4,690 | 544 | 15,707 | 112 | 31,604 | 7,344 | 873 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.16 | 0.25 | 7.23 | 0.05 | 14.54 | 3.38 | 0.4 |
| Population | 2,173,050 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.16, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 21%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.25, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 213%.
- Vandalism is a significant concern in Pennsylvania, with a crime rate of 7.23, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 84%.
- The blackmail crime rate is 0.05, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 25%.
- Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 14.54 in Pennsylvania, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 4%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 3.38, which is higher than the national average of 2.68 by 26%.
- Pennsylvania faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.4, which is 54% lower than the national average of 0.87.
Pennsylvania’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 5,890 | 4,180 | 69 | 60 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.71 | 1.92 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Population | 2,173,050 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
Pennsylvania’s Other Crimes Data Insights
- Drug offenses are not a concern in Pennsylvania, with a rate of 2.71, which is lower than the national average of 3.89 by 30%.
- Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.92, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 137%.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s crime rates vary significantly from the national average. The state has alarmingly high rates of murder, rape, assault, and robbery, with crime rates surpassing the national average by a considerable margin. Kidnapping, however, is notably lower than the national average. Pennsylvania also faces challenges with arson and vandalism, both exceeding the national average. Theft is another area of concern, with a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average. Motor vehicle theft is also higher in Pennsylvania. On the positive side, the state reports a lower rate of identity theft. Drug offenses are not a significant concern, but weapon law violations are notably higher than the national average.