Is Allentown or West Chester Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Chester Borough is safer than Allentown (Safety Score 58/100 vs 45/100), with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100,000 versus 1,841 for Allentown — 20% lower. Allentown has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Chester Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 6.2x 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
West Chester Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
West Chester Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | West Chester Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 1,464.7 | +376.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 215.0 | +57.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 0.0 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 20.0 | +6.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 40.0 | +17.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 155.0 | +30.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,249.8 | +319.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 140.0 | -18.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,054.8 | +197.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 55.0 | +140.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or West Chester Borough safer?
West Chester Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100K vs 1,841 for Allentown — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while West Chester Borough has 215.0. West Chester Borough 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 West Chester Borough, PA
West Chester Borough, the seat of Chester County, is a historic borough known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant downtown. Located approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia, it is home to West Chester University, contributing to a diverse and educated population. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 20,004, West Chester Borough has a total crime rate of 1,464.7 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Allentown
Compare West Chester Borough
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