Is Pittsburgh or Washington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Washington is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 32/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,337 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 14% lower. Pittsburgh has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Washington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 23.5x 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
Washington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh, PA
Washington, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburgh | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,708.6 | 2,337.1 | +371.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.5 | 695.2 | -266.7 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 0.0 | +11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 51.7 | 29.6 | +22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.2 | 147.9 | -23.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.9 | 517.7 | -277.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,280.1 | 1,641.9 | +638.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 266.3 | -33.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.4 | 1,161.2 | +543.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 343.0 | 214.5 | +128.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh or Washington safer?
Washington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,337 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburgh has a violent crime rate of 428.5 per 100K while Washington has 695.2. Pittsburgh 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 Washington, PA
Washington, PA, a county seat in Southwestern Pennsylvania, was founded in 1781. The city is home to Washington & Jefferson College and lies along Interstate 70, just south of Pittsburgh. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 13,521, Washington has a total crime rate of 2,337.1 per 100,000 residents.