Is Johnstown or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than Johnstown (Safety Score 24/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 3,221 for Johnstown — 16% lower. Johnstown has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pittsburgh has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 15.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Johnstown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnstown, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Johnstown | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,220.7 | 2,708.6 | +512.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 586.5 | 428.5 | +158.0 |
| Murder Rate | 29.8 | 11.4 | +18.5 |
| Rape Rate | 49.7 | 51.7 | -2.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 134.2 | 124.2 | +10.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 372.8 | 239.9 | +132.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,634.2 | 2,280.1 | +354.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 457.3 | 232.7 | +224.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,022.9 | 1,704.4 | +318.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 154.1 | 343.0 | -189.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnstown or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 3,221 for Johnstown — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Johnstown has a violent crime rate of 586.5 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh has lower violent crime.
About Johnstown, PA
Nestled in a flood-prone valley, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a former industrial hub famous for the devastating 1889 flood. This small city in Cambria County reflects a lingering rust belt heritage. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 20,120, Johnstown has a total crime rate of 3,220.7 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.