List Of Top 10 Safest Cities in Pennsylvania to Live in (2023)

Pennsylvania boasts a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, from the bustling city of Philadelphia on the eastern side of the state to the breathtaking hills and mountains of Western PA, dotted with charming towns. However, deciding on the ideal place to settle in Pennsylvania can be a daunting task. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top ten safest places to live in Pennsylvania.

10 Safest Cities in Pennsylvania

1. 1. Collegeville
   2. Murrysville
   3. Swarthmore
   4. West Mifflin
   5. Franklin Park
   6. Penn Township
   7. Upper St. Clair
   8. State College
   9. Lower Burrell 
   10. Northampton

1. Collegeville

Collegeville, located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is considered to be the safest place to live in the state. With a population of 5,043, the crime rate in Collegeville is significantly lower than the national average, at 371 crimes per 100,000 people, making it a secure place to call home. Residents of Collegeville have a 1 in 270 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. In addition to its safety, Collegeville offers plenty of attractions, including skydiving, various shops and restaurants, horseback riding, and popular car shows. The median home price in Collegeville is $302,800, and the median rent is $1,272.

2. Murrysville 

Murrysville, situated in Westmoreland County in western Pennsylvania, is home to approximately 21,000 residents. The city boasts a low crime rate of 486 crimes per 100,000 individuals, making it 79% safer than the national average. With a 1 in 202 chance of falling victim to a crime, residents of Murrysville can feel secure in their community. In 2022, only 7 violent crimes were reported in the area. Known for its peaceful environment, Murrysville is a rural community nestled in the foothills of Western Pennsylvania. The median home price in the city is $229,500.

3. Swarthmore

Located in Delaware County just outside of Philadelphia, Swarthmore is a quaint town with a population of 6,346. The city boasts an impressively low crime rate of only 498 per 100,000 people, which is 79% lower than the national average. This means that residents have a 1 in 206 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Visitors can explore the beautiful Scott Arboretum, which is part of Swarthmore College. However, it’s worth noting that the median home price in Swarthmore is $377,900, which is 105% higher than the national average.

4. West Mifflin

With an incredibly low crime rate, West Mifflin, located in Allegheny County, is considered one of the safest cities in Pennsylvania. The city has a population of around 19,700 and boasts a crime rate that is 70% lower than the national average, providing residents with a 1 in 163 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In 2022, only 34 violent crimes and 89 property crimes were reported. Though mainly a residential area, West Mifflin is located just outside of Pittsburgh. The median home price is only $92,900, which is 50% lower than the US average and 45% lower than the state average.

5. Franklin Park

Franklin Park, situated in Allegheny County, is a peaceful city in Pennsylvania with a population of 15,479. It is considered as one of the safest cities, with a crime rate of 775 for every 100,000 individuals, which is 67% lower than the national average. Many of its residents commute to Pittsburgh for work as it is a suburb of the city. The median home price in Franklin Park is $312,200, and the median rent is $1,296- slightly higher than the national average. Despite its proximity to Pittsburgh, Franklin Park maintains its rural setting and offers a tranquil environment.

6. Penn Township 

Located in Westmoreland County, Penn Township boasts a population of 20,047. The township has a remarkably low rate of violent and property crimes, making it 63% safer than the US average. A significant historical event in Pennsylvania’s local history, the Bushy Run Battlefield, is situated in Penn Township, which is now a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Despite its rural location, Penn Township is only 25 miles away from Pittsburgh.

7. Upper St. Clair

Upper St. Clair, with a population of 19,521, is situated in Allegheny County. The city has a crime rate of 835 per 100,000 people, resulting in a 1 in 121 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Approximately 9% of the area in Upper St. Clair is dedicated to parks and fields, totaling 733 acres. The median home price in the city is $267,500, which is 60% higher than the national average.

8. State College

State College, located in the mountainous regions of central Pennsylvania, is considered one of the safest cities in the state. With a population of 42,074, much of the town’s culture and community is centered around Penn State University. State College boasts a low crime rate of 1,027 per 100,000, which is 56% lower than the national average. The median house price in this idyllic city is $275,700, while the median rent stands at $968.

9. Lower Burrell 

With a population of 11,758, Lower Burrell boasts a crime rate of 1,092 per 100,000 people. Impressively, the city’s crime rate is 53% lower than the national average. In 2021, there were 19 violent crimes and 109 property crimes committed in the area. Situated along the beautiful Allegheny River, a National Register of Historic Places-listed location, Lower Burrell offers a range of hiking trails and scenic foothills. Additionally, the median house price in Lower Burrell is $135,000, which is 27% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for many.

10. Northampton 

Let’s wrap up our list of the safest places to live in Pennsylvania with Northampton, a charming town of 10,395 individuals located in Northampton county, just outside of Philadelphia. Northampton is a part of the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area, and it boasts a crime rate of 1,891 per 100,000, which is 7% lower than the state average. As a result, residents of this small town have a 1 in 53 chance of falling victim to any crime. Additionally, housing in Northampton is affordable, with a median price of $165,900. So if you’re looking for a safe and affordable place to call home in Pennsylvania, Northampton may be just the place for you.

Safest Places to Live in PA Bottom Line

Most people require a safe and affordable place to live. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has a variety of cities and towns that have a combination of spacious living, low crime rates, and affordability. The majority of the safest places to live in Pennsylvania are situated in scenic mountain towns that offer breathtaking views and winter sports. Pennsylvania is a diverse state that has something for everyone.

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