Is Allentown or Bethlehem Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethlehem Township is safer than Allentown (Safety Score 66/100 vs 45/100), with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100,000 versus 1,841 for Allentown — 34% lower. Allentown has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethlehem Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 4.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Allentown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethlehem Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Bethlehem Township, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Bethlehem Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 1,223.0 | +618.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 71.7 | +200.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 0.0 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 15.1 | +11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 15.1 | +41.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 41.5 | +143.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,151.3 | +417.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 68.0 | +53.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,023.0 | +229.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 60.4 | +135.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Bethlehem Township safer?
Bethlehem Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100K vs 1,841 for Allentown — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Bethlehem Township has 71.7. Bethlehem Township has lower violent crime.
About Allentown, PA
Allentown, a former industrial hub in eastern Pennsylvania, is the third-largest city in the state. Home to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, it sits along the Lehigh River with a diverse population. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Bethlehem Township, PA
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania, once home to Lenni Lenape tribes, is a suburban community in Northampton County. It boasts a mix of residential areas and commercial centers, bordering the city of Bethlehem to its west. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 26,492, Bethlehem Township has a total crime rate of 1,223.0 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Allentown
Compare Bethlehem Township
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