Is Allentown or Chester City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Chester City (Safety Score 45/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 2,819 for Chester City — 35% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Allentown has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 3.7x 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
Chester City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Chester City, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Chester City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 2,819.4 | -978.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 830.8 | -558.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 58.9 | -55.7 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 58.9 | -32.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 194.4 | -137.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 518.5 | -333.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,988.6 | -419.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 332.9 | -211.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,243.2 | +8.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 412.4 | -216.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Chester City safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 2,819 for Chester City — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Chester City has 830.8. Allentown 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 Chester City, PA
Chester, Pennsylvania, a city along the Delaware River, was once home to the nation's first continuously operating shipyard. Today, it is a diverse community with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 33,944, Chester City has a total crime rate of 2,819.4 per 100,000 residents.