Famous footprints from our days as a young nation crisscross the Keystone State. Philadelphia was the city that hosted the second Continental Congress which drafted the Declaration of Independence. Nearly 100 years later, President Lincoln delivered his famous remarks on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Pennsylvanians dwell on the hallowed ground that shaped our country, and they have a treasure trove of history lessons beneath their feet.
In the past two centuries, the state that cut its teeth in the steel industry has become a power player; Forbes notes that Pennsylvania has the sixth-largest economy in the nation. The second state admitted to the Union, with a current population of 12.8 million, is also famous for its candy – Hershey. If you are a chocolate lover or history buff – or anything in between, prepare to fall in love with the state. Take a glimpse into the top 10 safest cities and discover why they attained this ranking.
The "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
1. Fox Chapel
Population: 5,331
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 245.4
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
90% Below National Crime Rate
Congratulations to Fox Chapel for maintaining its domain, as once again she takes top honors as Pennsylvania’s safest city – according the 2020 FBI crime data. You’re more likely to get stung by a bee than be a victim of a violent crime in this town.
2. Franklin Park
Population: 14,706
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 20.4
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 292.4
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
88% Below National Crime Rate
The second-place trophy for safest city in PA goes to Franklin Park. This suburb of Pittsburgh scores a perfect A in the areas of schools and housing. Coming in at number two, this safe place is ranked great for families. Yep, law enforcement officers might get pretty bored here.
3. Turtle Creek
Population: 5,192
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 38.5
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 231.1
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
90% Below National Crime Rate
Twenty-eight spots! That’s how big of a jump Turtle Creek made from last year to take the third-place award on the safest cities’ chart. No need for those security cameras; this town has the lowest property crime rate in the entire state. The best part of living here is the affordability – it slides in at number one for that coveted category.
4. Bellefonte
Population: 6,325
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 15.8
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 474.3
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
81% Below National Crime Rate
Bellefonte may have missed the top three safest cities slots, but she still holds on with a 9.5/10 livable rating. Go ahead and load up the U-Haul. It’s a growing community that promises to keep its small-town appeal.
5. McCandless
Population: 28,475
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 17
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 491
Most Common Crime: Property
71% Below National Crime Rate
Welcome to this safe, conservative township where you won’t be hard pressed to find top rated schools and a wide variety of new homes. The locals are made up of young professionals and retirees. Making McCandless your new niche will be painless and pleasurable.
6. Murrysville
Population: 19,759
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 20
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 465
Most Common Crime: Property
91% Below National Crime Rate
Murrysville is pumped to announce they’ve rocketed up seven spots to become the sixth safest city in Pennsylvania. This town has four times less poverty than the entire U.S. Pittsburgh is a close 20 minutes away if you long for big city entertainment.
7. Clarion
Population: 5,316
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 56.4
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 319.8
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
85% Below National Crime Rate
Clarion, the “Autumn Leaf Capital” is known for her peacefulness and beauty. The fall season is spectacularly breathtaking. You’ll be inclined to purchase a camera and study photography when you relocate here. The picturesque mountains and the Clarion River will steal your heart. You’ll find walking trails and slopes primed for skis in this slice of heaven.
8. Whitehall
Population: 13,703
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 65.7
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 299.2
Most Common Crime: Property
86% Below National Crime Rate
Safety and convenience make Whitehall extremely attractive. It’s only 90 miles from the Big Apple, so start booking those Broadway shows now. Locals value the parks, pools and trails. It’s a slice of history at your fingertips and there’s still much to learn. So, if you want big or small, this town has it all.
9. Pleasant Hills
Population: 8,113
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 677.9
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
74% Below National Crime Rate
No need to pack the pepper spray for your evening stroll; Pleasant Hills has a zero violent crime rate. With ‘pleasant’ in the name, it’s bound to be a big win for the whole family. The livability here scores a 9.5/10 for its amazing schools and overall amenities.
10. Collegeville
Population: 5,134
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0.0
Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 720.7
Most Common Crime: Property
72% Below National Crime Rate
No superheroes required in the quaint town of Collegeville– the violent crime rate is a stunning zero! Residents here are low key, law-abiding citizens. It’s an affluent atmosphere, taking the second wealthiest spot in PA. Residents in this tight-knit community take great pride in their parks, schools and neighborhoods.
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Kathy Pierce
Kathy Pierce is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston who has amassed an extensive portfolio. Her articles have been published in Woman’s Day, Forbes, Huffington Post, Yahoo Finance, Guideposts, and many other national Christian magazines. Further, she has written content for the University of Notre Dame and edited a Wall Street Journal bestseller. Kathy is also a contract writer for Deloitte. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys spending time with her biological family and her church family.