Is Allentown or Harrisburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Harrisburg (Safety Score 45/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 2,759 for Harrisburg — 33% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Allentown has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 2.5x 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
Harrisburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Harrisburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 2,758.8 | -917.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 766.2 | -494.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 30.0 | -26.8 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 54.0 | -27.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 164.1 | -107.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 514.2 | -328.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,992.6 | -423.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 334.1 | -212.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,172.4 | +79.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 486.2 | -290.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Harrisburg safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 2,759 for Harrisburg — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Harrisburg has 766.2. 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 Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the Susquehanna River in the state's south-central region. Known for its historic State Capitol Building, it's a diverse city with a significant government employment sector. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 49,985, Harrisburg has a total crime rate of 2,758.8 per 100,000 residents.