Is Allentown or Columbia Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Columbia Borough (Safety Score 45/100 vs 32/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 2,326 for Columbia Borough — 21% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 11.9x 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
Columbia Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Columbia Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Columbia Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 2,326.5 | -485.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 296.8 | -24.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 0.0 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 0.0 | +26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 38.3 | +18.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 258.5 | -73.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 2,029.7 | -460.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 153.2 | -32.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,732.9 | -480.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 143.6 | +52.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Columbia Borough safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 2,326 for Columbia Borough — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Columbia Borough has 296.8. 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 Columbia Borough, PA
Columbia Borough, settled along the Susquehanna River, boasts a rich industrial past as a key railroad town. This diverse community of over 10,000 residents lies in Lancaster County, known for its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 10,445, Columbia Borough has a total crime rate of 2,326.5 per 100,000 residents.