Is Bethlehem or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethlehem is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 54/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,576 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 42% lower. Bethlehem has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethlehem has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 4.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bethlehem — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethlehem, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bethlehem | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,575.9 | 2,708.6 | -1,132.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 207.1 | 428.5 | -221.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 11.4 | -8.8 |
| Rape Rate | 40.4 | 51.7 | -11.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.8 | 124.2 | -96.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 135.1 | 239.9 | -104.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,368.8 | 2,280.1 | -911.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 84.6 | 232.7 | -148.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,150.3 | 1,704.4 | -554.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 133.9 | 343.0 | -209.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethlehem or Pittsburgh safer?
Bethlehem is safer with a total crime rate of 1,576 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bethlehem has a violent crime rate of 207.1 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Bethlehem has lower violent crime.
About Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem, PA, known as "The Christmas City" for its annual celebrations, is a city in the Lehigh Valley. Once a major industrial hub for Bethlehem Steel, it now has a diverse economy and a population of over 75,000. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 79,194, Bethlehem has a total crime rate of 1,575.9 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.