Is Harrisburg or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than Harrisburg (Safety Score 24/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 2,759 for Harrisburg — 2% lower. Harrisburg has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pittsburgh has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 6.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisburg, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisburg | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,758.8 | 2,708.6 | +50.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 766.2 | 428.5 | +337.8 |
| Murder Rate | 30.0 | 11.4 | +18.7 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 51.7 | +2.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 164.1 | 124.2 | +39.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 239.9 | +274.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,992.6 | 2,280.1 | -287.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 334.1 | 232.7 | +101.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,172.4 | 1,704.4 | -532.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 486.2 | 343.0 | +143.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 2,759 for Harrisburg — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisburg has a violent crime rate of 766.2 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh has lower violent crime.
About Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the Susquehanna River in the state's south-central region. Known for its historic State Capitol Building, it's a diverse city with a significant government employment sector. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 49,985, Harrisburg has a total crime rate of 2,758.8 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.