The 10 Most Worst Cities in Pennsylvania: A List of High-Crime Areas

Most Worst Cities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of attractions, from its rich history and culture to its scenic landscapes. However, not all cities in Pennsylvania provide safe and pleasant living or visiting experiences.

Some cities struggle with high crime rates, poverty, and social issues, making them undesirable and dangerous places. This article examines the ten worst cities in Pennsylvania based on crime statistics, quality of life, and reputation.

1. McKees Rocks

Situated as a Pittsburgh suburb, McKees Rocks has around 10,000 residents with a median household income of approximately $35,000. It holds Pennsylvania’s highest violent crime rate at 12.79 per 1,000 residents.

The likelihood of falling victim to crime here is 1 in 6, including crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary. Poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, and services further mar McKees Rocks’ desirability.

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2. Chester

Chester, found near Philadelphia in Delaware County, houses about 34,000 residents with a median household income of around $28,000. It has Pennsylvania’s second-highest violent crime rate, at 11.05 per 1,000 residents.

The odds of being a crime victim in Chester are 1 in 7, with crimes including murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Corruption, health challenges, limited opportunities, and drug abuse also tarnish Chester’s reputation.

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3. Darby

Another city near Philadelphia in Delaware County, Darby, has roughly 11,000 residents and a median household income of about $38,000. It ranks third in Pennsylvania for violent crime, with a rate of 10.91 per 1,000 residents.

The probability of becoming a crime victim in Darby is 1 in 8, involving crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and arson. Poverty, overcrowding, sanitation issues, and service deficiencies make Darby unappealing.

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4. Reading

Located in Berks County near Allentown, Reading accommodates about 88,000 residents with a median household income of around $29,000. It holds Pennsylvania’s fourth-highest violent crime rate, at 10.18 per 1,000 residents.

The likelihood of experiencing crime in Reading is 1 in 9, encompassing murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Poverty, unemployment, education gaps, service inadequacies, and gentrification hinder Reading’s livability.

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5. Philadelphia

As Pennsylvania’s largest city and cultural center, Philadelphia has roughly 1.6 million residents and a median household income of about $45,000. Renowned for its historical and cultural significance, Philadelphia also bears a high crime rate and low quality of life.

It ranks fifth in violent crime among Pennsylvania cities, at 9.89 per 1,000 residents. The odds of falling victim to crime in Philadelphia are 1 in 7, encompassing murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Challenges such as traffic congestion, homelessness, noise pollution, and gentrification additionally affect its livability.

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6. Ambridge

Ambridge, a small town near Pittsburgh in Beaver County, is home to around 6,700 residents with a median household income of approximately $36,000. It places sixth in violent crime among Pennsylvania cities, with a rate of 9.62 per 1,000 residents.

The likelihood of being a crime victim in Ambridge is 1 in 9, involving crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Poverty, unemployment, poor education, and inadequate services further detract from Ambridge’s appeal.

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7. Johnstown

Johnstown, situated in Cambria County near Altoona, hosts roughly 19,000 residents with a median household income of around $24,000. It ranks seventh in violent crime among Pennsylvania cities, at 9.33 per 1,000 residents.

The probability of becoming a crime victim in Johnstown is 1 in 8, encompassing murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary. Poverty, unemployment, health issues, limited opportunities, and drug abuse make Johnstown a challenging place to live or visit.

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8. Duquesne

Found in Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, Duquesne is home to about 5,500 residents with a median household income of around $26,000. It holds the eighth-highest violent crime rate in Pennsylvania, at 8.97 per 1,000 residents.

The odds of being a victim of crime in Duquesne are 1 in 9, involving crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and arson. Challenges such as corruption, health problems, limited education, and racial discrimination make Duquesne unattractive.

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9. Pottstown

Pottstown, located in Montgomery County near Philadelphia, houses around 23,000 residents with a median household income of about $49,000. It places ninth in violent crime among Pennsylvania cities, with a rate of 8.87 per 1,000 residents.

The likelihood of experiencing crime in Pottstown is 1 in 9, encompassing murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary. Poverty, unemployment, poor education, and inadequate services further mar Pottstown’s desirability.

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10. Yeadon

Another town near Philadelphia in Delaware County, Yeadon, is home to about 11,500 residents with a median household income of around $51,000. It holds the tenth-highest violent crime rate in Pennsylvania, at 8.62 per 1,000 residents.

The odds of becoming a crime victim in Yeadon are 1 in 9, involving crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Challenges such as poverty, overcrowding, sanitation issues, and inadequate services make Yeadon an unattractive place to be.

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Conclusion

These are the ten worst cities in Pennsylvania based on available data and information. However, this doesn’t render these cities completely without hope or improvement potential. Many residents and workers in these cities are striving to create positive change and enhance conditions.

Various initiatives and programs are also working toward reducing crime, increasing opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life. Thus, it’s crucial to acknowledge these cities’ challenges and risks while respecting and supporting their efforts and accomplishments.

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