Is Pittsburgh or West Chester Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Chester Borough is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 58/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 46% lower. Pittsburgh has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Chester Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 15.9x 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
West Chester Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh, PA
West Chester Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburgh | West Chester Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,708.6 | 1,464.7 | +1,243.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.5 | 215.0 | +213.5 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 0.0 | +11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 51.7 | 20.0 | +31.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.2 | 40.0 | +84.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.9 | 155.0 | +85.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,280.1 | 1,249.8 | +1,030.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 140.0 | +92.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.4 | 1,054.8 | +649.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 343.0 | 55.0 | +288.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh or West Chester Borough safer?
West Chester Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburgh has a violent crime rate of 428.5 per 100K while West Chester Borough has 215.0. West Chester Borough 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 West Chester Borough, PA
West Chester Borough, the seat of Chester County, is a historic borough known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant downtown. Located approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia, it is home to West Chester University, contributing to a diverse and educated population. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 20,004, West Chester Borough has a total crime rate of 1,464.7 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Pittsburgh
Compare West Chester Borough
- Is West Chester Borough safer than Philadelphia, PA?
- Is West Chester Borough safer than San Antonio, TX?
- Is West Chester Borough safer than San Diego, CA?
- Is West Chester Borough safer than Dallas, TX?
- Is West Chester Borough safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC?
- Is West Chester Borough safer than Fort Worth, TX?