Is Lancaster or Saratoga Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saratoga Springs is safer than Lancaster (Safety Score 43/100 vs 43/100), with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100,000 versus 1,914 for Lancaster — 1% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Saratoga Springs has a 60% lower rate.
Lancaster — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Saratoga Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, PA
Saratoga Springs, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | Saratoga Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,914.2 | 1,902.2 | +12.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.3 | 185.7 | +276.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 3.5 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 31.6 | 56.1 | -24.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.1 | 31.5 | -3.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 397.3 | 94.6 | +302.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,451.9 | 1,716.5 | -264.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.2 | 234.7 | -127.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,181.2 | 1,457.3 | -276.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 163.5 | 24.5 | +139.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster or Saratoga Springs safer?
Saratoga Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 1,902 per 100K vs 1,914 for Lancaster — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while Saratoga Springs has 185.7. Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Springs, renowned for its mineral springs and horse racing, is a vibrant city in upstate New York. It attracts a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly during the summer racing meet, impacting its small permanent population of around 28,000. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 28,546, Saratoga Springs has a total crime rate of 1,902.2 per 100,000 residents.