Is Bethlehem Township or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethlehem Township is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 66/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 55% lower. Bethlehem Township has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethlehem Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 12.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bethlehem Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethlehem Township, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bethlehem Township | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,223.0 | 2,708.6 | -1,485.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.7 | 428.5 | -356.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 11.4 | -11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 15.1 | 51.7 | -36.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.1 | 124.2 | -109.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.5 | 239.9 | -198.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,151.3 | 2,280.1 | -1,128.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.0 | 232.7 | -164.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.0 | 1,704.4 | -681.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.4 | 343.0 | -282.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethlehem Township or Pittsburgh safer?
Bethlehem Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bethlehem Township has a violent crime rate of 71.7 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Bethlehem Township has lower violent crime.
About Bethlehem Township, PA
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania, once home to Lenni Lenape tribes, is a suburban community in Northampton County. It boasts a mix of residential areas and commercial centers, bordering the city of Bethlehem to its west. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 26,492, Bethlehem Township has a total crime rate of 1,223.0 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.