Is Allentown or Wilkes Barre City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Wilkes Barre City (Safety Score 45/100 vs 41/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 1,989 for Wilkes Barre City — 7% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Allentown has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Allentown is 2.8x 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
Wilkes Barre City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Wilkes Barre City, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Wilkes Barre City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 1,988.5 | -147.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 431.6 | -159.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 9.0 | -5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 42.9 | -16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 56.5 | +0.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 323.1 | -137.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,556.9 | +12.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 165.0 | -43.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,281.2 | -29.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 110.7 | +85.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Wilkes Barre City safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 1,989 for Wilkes Barre City — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Wilkes Barre City has 431.6. 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 Wilkes Barre City, PA
Wilkes-Barre, a city in Luzerne County, was a major anthracite coal mining hub. Nestled in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River, it is home to a diverse population. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 44,254, Wilkes Barre City has a total crime rate of 1,988.5 per 100,000 residents.