Is Pittsburgh or Scranton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scranton is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 52/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,627 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 40% lower. Pittsburgh has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Scranton has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 4.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Scranton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh, PA
Scranton, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburgh | Scranton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,708.6 | 1,626.5 | +1,082.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.5 | 281.4 | +147.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 9.3 | +2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 51.7 | 92.5 | -40.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.2 | 31.7 | +92.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.9 | 148.0 | +91.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,280.1 | 1,345.1 | +935.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 192.9 | +39.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.4 | 1,022.7 | +681.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 343.0 | 129.5 | +213.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh or Scranton safer?
Scranton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,627 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburgh has a violent crime rate of 428.5 per 100K while Scranton has 281.4. Scranton has lower violent crime.
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.
About Scranton, PA
Scranton, once a booming hub of the anthracite coal industry, is the largest city in northeastern Pennsylvania. Nestled in the Lackawanna River valley, its population is predominantly white, with a growing Hispanic community. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 75,683, Scranton has a total crime rate of 1,626.5 per 100,000 residents.