Is Pittsburgh or Wilkes Barre City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilkes Barre City is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 41/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,989 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 27% lower. Pittsburgh has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wilkes Barre City has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 7.2x 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
Wilkes Barre City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes Barre City, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburgh | Wilkes Barre City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,708.6 | 1,988.5 | +720.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.5 | 431.6 | -3.1 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 9.0 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 51.7 | 42.9 | +8.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.2 | 56.5 | +67.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.9 | 323.1 | -83.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,280.1 | 1,556.9 | +723.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 165.0 | +67.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.4 | 1,281.2 | +423.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 343.0 | 110.7 | +232.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh or Wilkes Barre City safer?
Wilkes Barre City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,989 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburgh has a violent crime rate of 428.5 per 100K while Wilkes Barre City has 431.6. 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 Wilkes Barre City, PA
Wilkes-Barre, a city in Luzerne County, was a major anthracite coal mining hub. Nestled in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River, it is home to a diverse population. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 44,254, Wilkes Barre City has a total crime rate of 1,988.5 per 100,000 residents.