Is New Kensington or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than New Kensington (Safety Score 24/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 2,857 for New Kensington — 5% lower. New Kensington has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Kensington has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 26.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Kensington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Kensington, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Kensington | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,856.7 | 2,708.6 | +148.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 456.4 | 428.5 | +27.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 11.4 | -2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 51.7 | -26.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 67.6 | 124.2 | -56.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 355.0 | 239.9 | +115.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,400.3 | 2,280.1 | +120.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 371.9 | 232.7 | +139.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,859.4 | 1,704.4 | +155.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 169.0 | 343.0 | -174.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Kensington or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 2,857 for New Kensington — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Kensington has a violent crime rate of 456.4 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh has lower violent crime.
About New Kensington, PA
New Kensington, a former industrial hub along the Allegheny River, was once home to Alcoa's research facilities. Its population has steadily declined since its mid-20th century peak, reflecting broader trends in many Rust Belt communities. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 11,832, New Kensington has a total crime rate of 2,856.7 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.