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Lancaster, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Lancaster crime rate · Pittsburgh crime rate

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Is Lancaster, PA or Pittsburgh, PA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Lancaster, PA is safer than Pittsburgh, PA (Safety Score 43/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh, PA — 29% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 77% lower rate.

Note: Pittsburgh is 5.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Lancaster, PA?

Lancaster — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA
Safety Score 43/100
Coverage 56,890
Total Crime Rate 1,914.2
Category Wins 6/7

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA
Safety Score 24/100
Coverage 317,177
Total Crime Rate 2,708.6
Category Wins 1/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Lancaster Pittsburgh Difference
Total Crime Rate 1,914.2 2,708.6 -794.4
Violent Crime Rate 462.3 428.5 +33.8
Murder Rate 3.5 11.4 -7.8
Rape Rate 31.6 51.7 -20.1
Robbery Rate 28.1 124.2 -96.1
Aggravated Assault Rate 397.3 239.9 +157.3
Property Crime Rate 1,451.9 2,280.1 -828.2
Burglary Rate 107.2 232.7 -125.5
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,181.2 1,704.4 -523.2
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 163.5 343.0 -179.6

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Lancaster, PA to Pittsburgh, PA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lancaster or Pittsburgh safer?

Lancaster, PA is safer with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh, PA — a 29% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh has lower violent crime.

About Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 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.

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