Is Erie or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Erie is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 33/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,305 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 15% lower. Erie has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Erie has a 52% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Erie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Erie, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Erie | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,304.6 | 2,708.6 | -403.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 375.6 | 428.5 | -52.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 11.4 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 41.1 | 51.7 | -10.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 67.1 | 124.2 | -57.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 262.0 | 239.9 | +22.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,929.0 | 2,280.1 | -351.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.9 | 232.7 | -37.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,645.4 | 1,704.4 | -59.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.8 | 343.0 | -254.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erie or Pittsburgh safer?
Erie is safer with a total crime rate of 2,305 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Erie has a violent crime rate of 375.6 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Erie has lower violent crime.
About Erie, PA
Erie, a Rust Belt city on Lake Erie's southern shore, is home to the historic Presque Isle State Park. Its economy historically revolved around manufacturing and shipping. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 92,379, Erie has a total crime rate of 2,304.6 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.