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Allentown, PA vs Lancaster, PA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Allentown crime rate · Lancaster crime rate

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Is Allentown, PA or Lancaster, PA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Allentown, PA is safer than Lancaster, PA (Safety Score 46/100 vs 43/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 1,914 for Lancaster, PA — 4% lower. Allentown has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 51% lower rate.

Note: Allentown is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Allentown, PA?

Allentown — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Lancaster — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Allentown, PA

Allentown, PA
Safety Score 46/100
Coverage 124,599
Total Crime Rate 1,841.1
Category Wins 2/7

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA
Safety Score 43/100
Coverage 56,890
Total Crime Rate 1,914.2
Category Wins 5/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Allentown Lancaster Difference
Total Crime Rate 1,841.1 1,914.2 -73.1
Violent Crime Rate 272.1 462.3 -190.2
Murder Rate 3.2 3.5 -0.3
Rape Rate 26.5 31.6 -5.2
Robbery Rate 57.0 28.1 +28.9
Aggravated Assault Rate 185.4 397.3 -211.9
Property Crime Rate 1,569.0 1,451.9 +117.1
Burglary Rate 121.2 107.2 +14.0
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,252.0 1,181.2 +70.8
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 195.8 163.5 +32.4

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Allentown, PA to Lancaster, PA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allentown or Lancaster safer?

Allentown, PA is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 1,914 for Lancaster, PA — a 4% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Lancaster has 462.3. 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 46/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 per 100,000 residents.

About Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 per 100,000 residents.

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