The Keystone State is both the 6th most populous and the 9th most densely populated in the U.S. One of the 13 original founding states, Pennsylvania is home to 12.8 million residents and over 100 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie and the Delaware Estuary. We’re giving you the 50 safest cities in Pennsylvania based on FBI violent crime stats and propriety backgroundchecks.org research data.
Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 314 for violent crime and 1,932 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000. If you’d like to call this beautiful and historic state home, one of the following cities is sure to be a safe choice.
Related: Check out our Pennsylvania Public Records guide.
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#1 Upper Allen
A township in Cumberland County, Upper Allen is home to 15,300 residents. Incorporated in 1850, the township is home to seven unincorporated communities and is the site of the Messiah College campus. This is the safest place to live in Pennsylvania. Violent crime in Upper Allen is non-existent, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is just .09%.
#2 Buckingham
Located in Bucks County, Buckingham is a township of 20,000 residents. Named after its namesake in England, Buckingham is home to several historic landmarks including a station on the Underground Railroad. This is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 5 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just .06%.
#3 West Deer
A township in Allegheny County, West Deer is home to 11,700 residents. Formerly a farming and coal mining town, the community has grown and diversified in recent years. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 8.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime in West Deer just .09%.
#4 New Britain
A township in Bucks County, New Britain is home to 11,000 residents. Founded in 1723, the township encompasses 14.7 square miles and is the site of several historic covered bridges. The violent crime rate in New Britain is 9, and residents have just a .08% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#5 New Hanover
Located in Montgomery County, New Hanover Township has a current population of 10,900 residents. The community consists of rolling hills and valleys and has several villages within its borders. The violent crime rate here is 9.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in New Hanover is just .06%.
#6 Silver Spring
A township in Cumberland County and northwest of Mechanicsburg, Silver Spring is home to 13,600 residents. The community sits along both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Carlisle Pike, giving it easy access to other parts of the state. This is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 14.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime here 1.6%.
#7 Upper Uwchlan
Located in Chester County, Upper Uwchlan is a township that is home to 11,200 residents. The township covers 11.6 square miles and has several properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including two historic districts and a covered bridge. The violent crime rate in Upper Uwchlan is 17.6, and residents have just a .07% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#8 Patton
A township in Centre County and part of the State College MSA, Patton is home to 15,300 residents. Established in 1794, the community was named after Colonel John Patton and has a rich history in iron mining. The violent crime rate in Patton is 19.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.1%.
#9 South Fayette
Located in Allegheny County, South Fayette is a township that is home to 14,400 residents. The community has seen a good deal of growth in recent years due to its proximity to Pittsburgh and its well-performing schools. Living here is also a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 20.7 and the chance of being involved in a property crime just .06%.
#10 Amity
A township in Berks County, Amity is home to 12,500 residents. The community encompasses 18.4 square miles and is home to many properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in Amity is 23.8, and residents have a .09% chance of being affected by property crime.
#11 Hampden
A township in Cumberland County, Hampden is the largest municipality by population in the county with 28,000 residents. The community maintains over 100 acres of parks and is also home to the state of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections headquarters. The violent crime rate here is 25.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Hampden is just 1%.
#12 Manor
Located in Lancaster County, Manor is a township that is home to 16,400 residents. Also considered a suburb of the city of Lancaster, the community encompasses 48.6 square miles and has a rich history dating back nearly 200 years. The violent crime rate in Manor is 25.2, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being affected by property crime.
#13 Upper Southampton
Located in Bucks County, Upper Southampton is a township with a current population of 15,100 residents. First settled by Quakers in the 1600’s, the community continues to retain its small-town atmosphere and is a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate here is 26.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime is just 1.1%.
#14 Lower Salford
A township in Montgomery County, Lower Salford is home to 15,300 residents. The community has 12 parks as part of its “Open Space/Green Belt” program and is known for its Mennonite Heritage Center. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 26.5, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .04%.
#15 Tredyffrin
Located in eastern Chester County, Tredyffrin is a township of 29,300 residents. The community sits adjacent to the Valley Forge National Historic Park and is home to a long list of historic buildings and landmarks. The violent crime rate in Tredyffrin Township is 27, and residents have a .09% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#16 Mount Joy
A township in Lancaster County, Mount Joy is home to 9,800 residents. Founded in 1735, the community encompasses 28 square miles and is served by two different public school districts. Living in Mount Joy is safe, with a violent crime rate of 27.3 and the chance of being affected by property crime here less than 1%.
#17 Peters
Located in Washington County, Peters Township is home to 21,200 residents. The township was founded in 1781 and contains seven distinct communities within its borders. Peters is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 28.2 and residents having just a .06% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#18 Cranberry
Classified as a Second Class Township, Cranberry is located in Butler County and is considered the fastest growing area in the Pittsburgh MSA. Home to 30,100 residents, the community is home to a large mall, several business headquarters and the practice facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The violent crime rate here is 28.3, and the chance of being affected by property crime in Cranberry is 1.3%.
#19 South Park
Located in south Allegheny County, South Park is a township that is home to 13,400 residents. The community encompasses 9.2 square miles and a large portion of the town consists of a county park that includes a golf course, ice rink, tennis courts, trail system, concert pavilion, wave pool, and dog park. The violent crime rate in South Park is 29.7, and residents have just a .03% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#20 Richland
A township in Cambria County, Richland is considered a part of the Johnstown MSA and is home to 12,800 residents. The town is the site of the largest mall in the area, The Johnstown Galleria, as well as The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus, the first regional campus of a major university in the U.S. The violent crime rate in Richland is 31, and residents have a 4.4% chance of being affected by property crime.
#21 McCandless
Classified as a Home Rule Municipality, McCandless is home to 28,400 residents. The community has been included in Money’s list of “Best Places to Live” and is served by the North Allegheny School District. Living in McCandless is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 31.5 and the chance of being involved in property crime here less than 1%.
#22 Cecil
Located in Washington County, Cecil is township that is home to 11,200 residents. The community encompasses 26.4 square miles, and its business park is the site of several large companies such as Ansys and Consul Energy. The violent crime rate in Cecil is 35.4, and property crime is practically non-existent at just .01%.
#23 North Middleton
A township in north-central Cumberland County, North Middleton is home to 11,100 residents. The area has strong roots in agriculture and became well-known for its signature “Pennsylvania Barn”, some of which are still in existence today. The violent crime rate in North Middleton is 35.6, and residents have a 1.2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#24 Upper St Clair
Located in Allegheny County, Upper St. Clair is a township that is home to 19,200 residents. Considered an affluent suburb of Pittsburgh, the community is just 10 miles south of the city and is also known for its nationally-recognized schools. The violent crime rate here is 36.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime in Upper St. Clair is just .05%.
#25 Upper Moreland
A township in Montgomery County, Upper Moreland is home to 24,000 residents. The community is considered a part of the Philadelphia MSA and contains several distinctive neighborhoods and business districts. The violent crime rate here is 37.2, and residents have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#26 Marple
Located in Delaware County, Marple is a township that is home to 23,400 residents. First settled by Quakers in the late 1600’s, the town now has a system of eleven parks and is home to a public two-year community college. The violent crime rate in Marple is 38.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.5%.
#27 West Lampeter
Located in Lancaster County, West Lampeter is a township with a current population of 13,100 residents. The community encompasses 16.4 square miles and has multiple listings on the National Register of Historic Places including two covered bridges. This is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 39.1 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.1%.
#28 Plumstead
A township in Bucks County, Plumstead is home to 12,400 residents. Founded by English Quakers in the 1700’s, the town still has many working farms that have been passed down through generations. Plumstead is a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 40 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.1%.
#29 Northampton
Located in Bucks County, Northampton is a township with a current population of 39,700 residents. The community is just 12 miles northeast of Philadelphia and contains four distinct unincorporated communities. The violent crime rate here is 40.1, and residents have just a .07% chance of being affected by property crime.
#30 Newtown
The oldest township in Delaware County, Newtown is home to 12,200 residents. Originally settled by Welsh Quakers, the town has evolved into a suburban community with some historic homes and is also the home to the Aronimink Golf Club, which has hosted several PGA events. The violent crime rate in Newtown is 40.2, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is less than 1%.
#31 Shaler
Located in Allegheny County, Shaler is a township that is home to 28,700 residents. Considered a suburb of Pittsburgh, the community is a part of the North Hills Region and is primarily a residential area. Living in Shaler is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 41.6, and the chance of being affected by property crime here just 1.2%.
#32 Limerick
A township in Montgomery County, Limerick is home to 18,000 residents. Founded in the 1700’s by a settler from Limerick, Ireland, the town is just 34 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The community is home to a Premium Outlet Mall and a nuclear power plant. The violent crime rate in Limerick is 43.9, and residents have a 2.5% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#33 Franklin Park
Located in Allegheny County, Franklin Park is a borough that is home to 13,400 residents. Encompassing 13.6 square miles of land, Franklin Park is considered a growing suburb of Pittsburgh. The violent crime rate here is 44.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime is incredibly low, at just .03%.
#34 North Strabane
A township in Washington County, North Strabane has a current population of 13,400 residents. Named after a town in Ireland, the community has several listings on the National Register of Historic Places and is served by the Canon-McMillan School District. The violent crime rate in North Strabane is 44.6, and residents have a 1% of being involved in a property crime.
#35 Mt Lebanon
Classified as a Home Rule Municipality, Mt. Lebanon is located in Allegheny County and is home to 33,100 residents. Known as an affluent suburb of Pittsburgh, the community is noted for its well-performing school district and thriving central business district. Living here is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 45.1 and the chance of being affected by property crime just .06%.
#36 Springfield
Located in Delaware County, Springfield is a township that is home to 24,200 residents. Philadelphia is just 10 miles to the east and the community consists of many developments of single-family homes. There is also an extensive parks system here for residents. The violent crime rate in Springfield is 45.3, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.8%.
#37 East Whiteland
A township in Chester County, East Whiteland has a current population of 10,600 residents. Founded by Welsh settlers in 1704, the community is located approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia near the walls of the Great Valley. Living in East Whiteland is safe, with a violent crime rate of 46.5 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .06%.
#38 Willistown
Located in Chester County, Willistown is a township that is home to 10,400 residents. The community is part of the western Philadelphia suburb known as the Main Line and has three separate designated historic districts. The violent crime rate in Willistown is 47.1, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#39 Montgomery
A township in Montgomery County, Montgomery has a current population of 24,700 residents. Considered a suburban community, it is the location of a regional shopping mall and is served by the North Penn School District. The violent crime rate in Montgomery is 48, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.6%.
#40 Lower Makefield
Located in Bucks County, Lower Makefield is a township that is home to 32,500 residents. This suburb of Philadelphia was ranked by CNNMoney as one of the best places to live for the Eastern region of the U.S. Some residents also commute as far as New York City. The violent crime rate here is 49, and residents have a 1.3% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#41 Upper Providence
A township in Delaware County, Upper Providence is located approximately 15 miles west of Philadelphia. Home to 10,100 residents, the community is mostly residential and includes parts of Ridley Creek State Park, a 2,606-acre park that offers hiking, biking, and fishing. This is a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 49.2 and the chance of being affected by property crime here just .05%.
#42 Washington
Located in Franklin County, Washington is a township that is home to 11,500 residents. The community encompasses 38.9 square miles of land and has numerous listings on the National Register of Historic Places including a bridge, an armory, and its historic district. The violent crime rate in Washington is 49.5, and residents have a 1.8% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#43 North Fayette
A township in Allegheny County, North Fayette is considered a suburb of Pittsburgh and has a current population of 13,600 residents. The township is home to several business and shopping destinations as well as the campuses of Pittsburgh Technical Institute and the Community College of Allegheny County. The violent crime rate in North Fayette is 50, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 1.7%.
#44 Haverford
Located in Delaware County, Haverford is considered a home rule township and has a population of 48,400 residents. The community is considered an inner ring suburb of Philadelphia and its Merion Golf Club has hosted two major PGA championship tournaments. Haverford is a safe place to call home, with a violent crime rate of 51.4 and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 1.1%.
#45 West Whiteland
A township in Chester County, West Whiteland is home to 18,200 residents. The community just celebrated its 250th anniversary. They have an extensive parks system of over 100 acres and another site of over 700 acres soon to be developed. The violent crime rate in West Whiteland is 54.2, and residents have a 2.5% chance of being affected by property crime.
#46 Spring
Located in Berks County, Spring is a township that is home to 27,100 residents. The township has a total area of 18.3 square miles and includes over 25 distinct unincorporated communities. There are a number of commercial parks here, and the area is served by the Wilson School District. The violent crime rate in Spring is 55.1, and residents have a 1.2% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#47 Ferguson
Considered a home rule municipality, Ferguson is located in Centre County and is home to 17,600 residents. Ferguson sits adjacent to the borough of State College, which is the home of Penn State. The community of Ferguson is the site of Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Research Center, where much of the school’s agricultural research is conducted. Living in Ferguson is a safe choice, with a violent crime rate of 56.3 and the chance of being affected by property crime just .07%.
#48 East Cocalico
Located in northeastern Lancaster County, East Cocalico is a township that is home to 9,900 residents. The community was founded in 1838 and encompasses 20.6 square miles. Its Bucher Thal Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in East Cocalico is 57.6, and residents have a 1.1% chance of being involved in a property crime.
#49 East Norriton
A township in Montgomery County, East Norriton is located just 8 miles north of Philadelphia and is home to 13,500 residents. Genuardi’s, a division of Safeway, has its national headquarters here, and the township was named in the past by Business Week as one of the nation’s top five Best Affordable Suburbs. The violent crime rate in East Norriton is 58.4, and the chance of being affected by property crime here is 2.3%.
#50 Scott
Located in Allegheny County, Scott is a township that is home to 17,000 residents. The community has a land area of just 3.86 square miles and is surrounded by green spaces. Residents are served by the Chartiers Valley School District, and this is considered a safe place to call home. The violent crime rate in Scott is 58.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 1.1%.
