Is Altoona or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Altoona is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 35/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 19% lower. Altoona has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Altoona has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 7.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Altoona — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Altoona | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,185.1 | 2,708.6 | -523.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 334.7 | 428.5 | -93.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 11.4 | -9.0 |
| Rape Rate | 75.4 | 51.7 | +23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 73.1 | 124.2 | -51.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 183.9 | 239.9 | -56.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,850.4 | 2,280.1 | -429.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.4 | 232.7 | +99.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,402.5 | 1,704.4 | -301.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.5 | 343.0 | -227.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona or Pittsburgh safer?
Altoona is safer with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 334.7 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Altoona has lower violent crime.
About Altoona, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona was once a vital railroad town, home to the Pennsylvania Railroad's extensive shops. Its population of around 44,000 reflects a legacy of industrial heritage. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 42,424, Altoona has a total crime rate of 2,185.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.