Is Allentown or Pottsville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pottsville is safer than Allentown (Safety Score 50/100 vs 45/100), with a total crime rate of 1,677 per 100,000 versus 1,841 for Allentown — 9% lower. Allentown has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pottsville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 9.3x 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
Pottsville — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Pottsville, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Pottsville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 1,676.5 | +164.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 329.3 | -57.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 0.0 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 59.9 | -33.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 29.9 | +27.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 239.5 | -54.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,347.2 | +221.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 164.7 | -43.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,137.6 | +114.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 44.9 | +150.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Pottsville safer?
Pottsville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,677 per 100K vs 1,841 for Allentown — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Pottsville has 329.3. 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 45/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Pottsville, PA
Pottsville, home to Yuengling, America's oldest brewery, is a small city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Its population is predominantly white, reflecting its rich industrial past in coal mining. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 13,361, Pottsville has a total crime rate of 1,676.5 per 100,000 residents.