Is Carlisle Borough or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlisle Borough is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 62/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,318 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 51% lower. Carlisle Borough has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carlisle Borough has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 13.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlisle Borough — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlisle Borough, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlisle Borough | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,317.8 | 2,708.6 | -1,390.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 172.8 | 428.5 | -255.6 |
| Murder Rate | 21.6 | 11.4 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 25.9 | 51.7 | -25.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.6 | 124.2 | -102.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 99.4 | 239.9 | -140.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,145.0 | 2,280.1 | -1,135.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 129.6 | 232.7 | -103.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 967.9 | 1,704.4 | -736.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.5 | 343.0 | -295.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlisle Borough or Pittsburgh safer?
Carlisle Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,318 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlisle Borough has a violent crime rate of 172.8 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Carlisle Borough has lower violent crime.
About Carlisle Borough, PA
Carlisle, the seat of Cumberland County, is a historic borough known for Dickinson College, chartered in 1783. Situated in the Cumberland Valley, it's home to a diverse population of around 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 23,144, Carlisle Borough has a total crime rate of 1,317.8 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.