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Safest Places to Live in Pennsylvania

Buying a home in Pennsylvania isn't just about location or price; it's also about safety. The Keystone State has a violent crime rate of 3.13 per 1,000 people, and 47% of residents are concerned about crime. Whether it's a row house in Philadelphia or a cozy home in Pittsburgh, people are investing more in security than cheesesteaks. Check out Houzeo's safest places to live in Pennsylvania.

Last updated July 10, 2026

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Safety Score

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Live MLS Data — Niche & U.S. News update once a year. We update daily.1,607,964 active homes tracked15 crimes/city, raw FBI data

Data Sources

MLS Houzeo FBI FBI Uniform Crime Reporting CENS U.S. Census Bureau BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Rankings: 10 Safest Places in Pennsylvania

Camp Hill, PA

Camp Hill, located near Harrisburg, reports crime below the US average, based on Federal Bureau of Investigation data. The place has excellent policing and urban layout design. Its organized streets and strong zoning keep resident...

95/100

Safety Score based on 2025 crime data, reported to the FBI by Camp Hill Police Department.

Personal Safety : 96

Personal Safety: 96/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

40%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 92

Property Safety: 92/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

63.75%

Motor Vehicle Theft

25%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 93

Community Safety: 93/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

6.25%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

80%

Weapon Law Violations

33.33%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

40%

Home Prices in Camp Hill

$368,275

Median Home Rent

$1,590

Middletown, PA

Located on the Susquehanna River, Middletown ensures that the crime levels stay below the national standards. Local policing and a compact layout of the support steady neighborhood oversight in the Borough. The town's size keeps a...

57/100

Safety Score based on 2025 crime data, reported to the FBI by Middletown Police Department.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Middletown

$397,750

Median Home Rent

$1,100

Levittown, PA

Violence rates in Levittown average around 0.5 – 1 incidents per 1,000 people. The crime rate is much lower than national levels, which supports its reputation as a stable suburban community. Law enforcement and zoning help mainta...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Bucks County Sheriff's Office hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Levittown

$397,894

Median Home Rent

$1,883

Royersford, PA

Royersford stands out with crime rates about 36% lower than the national average. Stability is maintained by having close communities and restricted traffic flows through the area. Young professionals and families will enjoy proxi...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Royersford Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Royersford

$370,000

Median Home Rent

$2,078

Macungie, PA

Macungie is a part of Lehigh County, which experience crime rates below national averages. Quiet residential streets and controlled development in the borough support consistency. Local policing and low-density planning keep neigh...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Macungie Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Macungie

$484,500

Median Home Rent

$1,986

Bellefonte, PA

Bellefonte reports crime below the US average, based on FBI data. The borough has stable neighborhoods with consistent local policing and a clear town layout. Historic districts and low traffic support steady living conditions. Be...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Bellefonte Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Bellefonte

$364,000

Median Home Rent

$1,325

Huntingdon, PA

Huntingdon reports crime below the US average, based on Federal Bureau of Investigation data. The small-town setting and constant police monitoring ensure proper supervision in the borough. Its town-type structure keeps neighborho...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Huntingdon Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Huntingdon

$394,900

Median Home Rent

$850

Malvern, PA

Malvern ranks among the safer places in Pennsylvania. FBI data shows violent crime is about 59% lower than the US average. It is famous for its strong economy, effective governance, and wealthy suburbs. Well-maintained neighborhoo...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Malvern Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Malvern

$355,000

Median Home Rent

$3,000

Murrysville, PA

Murrysville records crime rates significantly lower than US benchmarks. This safe environment is due to the large-dot zoning and consistent local policing in the area. Expansive residential layouts reduce congestion and help maint...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Murrysville Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Murrysville

$235,000

Median Home Rent

$1,500

#10

Lititz, PA

Being one of the most notable downtowns across the nation, Lititz manages to keep its crime rate low. Community policing and highly walkable streets play major roles in maintaining safety in the town. Residential areas remain orga...

N/A

N/A doesn’t mean zero crime. Lititz Police Department hasn't reported data to the FBI.

Personal Safety : N/A

Property Safety : N/A

Community Safety : N/A

Home Prices in Lititz

$406,500

Median Home Rent

$1,922

Top 3 Safest Places to Live for Retirees in Pennsylvania

Malvern – A Secure Suburban City with Easy Healthcare Access - Malvern stands out as one of the safest places to live in Pennsylvania for retirees. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data shows that both violent crime and property crime rates in the borough stay below U.S. averages. This allows residents to handle daily errands, attend community events, and stay socially active with confidence. Healthcare access is strong and reliable. Paoli Hospital, part of Main Line Health, offers emergency care, specialty services, and routine medical support within a short drive. This reduces travel time for regular checkups and urgent needs. King Street serves as the town center and provides a walkable layout with grocery stores, cafes, pharmacies, and essential services close together. Many neighborhoods near the borough feature townhomes, condos, and smaller single-family homes that require less upkeep. This suits retirees who want convenience and manageable living spaces. Public transportation adds another advantage. The SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line gives direct rail access to Philadelphia. Retirees can visit the city for healthcare, entertainment, or family trips without relying on long drives. Malvern combines low crime, strong healthcare access, walkability, and easy transit. These factors make it a practical and comfortable choice for retirees in Pennsylvania.
Camp Hill – A Quiet City with Strong Community Structure - Camp Hill suits retirees who want a quiet and safe place to live. FBI crime data shows that both violent crime and property crime rates stay lower than U.S. averages. This gives residents a strong sense of safety and stability for daily life. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center sits in the center of the borough and provides quick access to emergency care, primary care, and specialty services. Retirees can reach medical support without long travel times. Market Street and the West Shore area offer clean and well-kept neighborhoods. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and local shops sit close to residential areas. This makes daily errands simple and convenient. Many homes in the borough come with manageable layouts, which helps reduce upkeep. Camp Hill has a clear and easy-to-navigate layout. Streets stay less crowded than in larger cities, which makes driving and short trips more comfortable. Residents can move around without dealing with heavy traffic.
Erie – Affordable Lakeside Living with Improving Safety - Erie is a practical choice for retirees who want affordability, safety, and stability in Pennsylvania. Housing costs and overall living expenses stay lower than in many larger cities across the state. This helps retirees manage fixed incomes with less financial pressure. Several residential areas report lower crime levels than U.S. averages. Neighborhoods like Millcreek and Frontier see fewer incidents of both violent crime and property crime, based on FBI data. These areas offer a stable setting for daily life. Healthcare access is strong in the city. UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital provide emergency care, specialty services, and routine treatment within a short distance. This ensures retirees can get timely medical support. Presque Isle State Park adds to the quality of life. The park offers walking trails, lake views, and open spaces for relaxation and light outdoor activity. Erie continues to grow with steady development and improved local amenities. It combines lower costs, access to healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. This makes it a comfortable and reliable place for retirees in Pennsylvania.

Top 3 Safest Cities to Live for Families in Pennsylvania

Lancaster – A Stable City with Strong Schools and Community Living - Lancaster is a strong choice for families who want safety and a close-knit community. FBI crime data shows that both violent crime and property crime rates stay lower than many cities across Pennsylvania. This allows children to use parks, schools, and public spaces with confidence. The School District of Lancaster and nearby suburban districts offer solid academic programs and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Families have access to structured learning, sports programs, and community support. Neighborhoods such as Manheim Township and East Lampeter report lower crime levels and well-maintained roads. These areas include parks, playgrounds, and open spaces that support safe outdoor activity. Grocery stores, healthcare services, and daily essentials remain close to residential areas, which makes routine tasks simple. Several other places also rank among the safest in Pennsylvania based on FBI crime data and safety studies. These include Cecil Township, Hampden Township, Cranberry Township, and Franklin Park. These towns report very low violent crime rates and, in some cases, near-zero incidents in key crime categories. Lancaster combines low crime, strong schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Along with other safe towns in the state, it offers a stable and comfortable environment for families in Pennsylvania.
Allentown – A Growing City with Safer Residential Areas for Families - Allentown is an ideal city for families who wish to reside in safe and well-developed neighborhoods. Residential areas in the city, such as West End and South Whitehall, report crime levels below the national average. The Parkland School District and nearby districts offer some of the most effective educational institutions in the area. Lehigh Valley Hospital, which is within close reach, provides top-tier healthcare services. Allentown remains committed to investing in different areas, including infrastructure development, parks, and recreational facilities. It stands out as one of the best cities to live in Pennsylvania for families who want growth as well as stability.
Pittsburgh – A Major City with Family-Friendly and Safe Neighborhoods - Pittsburgh is unique for its family-friendly and safe neighborhoods in the large metro area. There are neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill, Mount Lebanon, and Shadyside that maintain lower crime rates and strong community involvement. Pittsburgh Public Schools and nearby districts offer diverse education options, including magnet and specialized programs. UPMC and Allegheny Health Network make sure that families have access to top-class healthcare facilities in the whole state. There are also many parks in the city, such as Schenley Park and Frick Park, that provide space for outdoor activities and family routines.

Top 3 Safest Cities to Live for Young Adults in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh – Career Opportunities with Safe and Lively Neighborhoods - Pittsburgh works well for young professionals who are looking for great career opportunities and safe living options. Many safe neighborhoods such as Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Mount Washington make daily life more secure and easy for families and young adults. Major employers like UPMC, PNC Financial Services, and Carnegie Mellon University provide steady job opportunities. Vacancies consistently arise in healthcare, finance, and tech. Public transport services and an excellent road network in the city help in convenient commuting. Being one of the best cities to live in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh helps young adults balance work, social life, and safety easily.
Allentown – Affordable Living with Improving Safety and Growth - Allentown is an ideal place for young adults due to its balance between affordability and stability. Housing costs remain lower than in many other cities in the state, making it easier to enter the market or rent without financial strain. Residential areas like West End and South Whitehall continue to show lower crime rates compared to busier sections of the city. The Lehigh Valley job market continues to expand with opportunities in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. Entertainment options, local dining, and parks provide a balanced lifestyle without the intensity of larger metros. If someone is considering affordability, safety, and consistent career growth, then Allentown is definitely a good place to live in Pennsylvania.
Erie – Relaxed Living with Safety and Lower Cost of Living - Young adults will enjoy living in Erie with a relaxed lifestyle while staying connected to jobs and social opportunities. Several neighborhoods report manageable crime levels, placing it among the safest cities in PA for those who prefer a quieter environment. The cost of living in Erie is much cheaper than in other big cities. Low cost enables professionals to save money while building their careers. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, education, and manufacturing industries. Young adults seek a practical balance of affordability, safety, and lifestyle, and Erie is the best city in PA to achieve it.

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the safest places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified crime and public safety datasets. Our analysis incorporates violent crime rates and property crime rates (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program), local law enforcement staffing levels, community safety investment scores, and resident-reported safety data. Each factor was normalized against the Pennsylvania state average to control for population size and regional differences. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final Safety Score out of 100, highlighting cities where crime rates are significantly below the state baseline and community safety infrastructure is strongest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PA a safe state to live in?

Yes. Pennsylvania is generally considered a safe state, with violent crime rates about 20–25% below the national average. Safety varies by area, but many suburbs and small towns consistently rank among the safest places to live in Pennsylvania.

What are the cons of living in PA?

Living in Pennsylvania can mean higher property taxes and older homes that may need upkeep. Winters are also long and cold, which isn't ideal if you prefer warmer weather.

Are there affordable, safe cities in Pennsylvania?

Affordable and safe cities in Pennsylvania include Harrisburg, Allentown, and Erie, known for reasonable home prices and stable neighborhoods. You can explore a full list of the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania to find options that fit your budget and lifestyle.

What is the most peaceful city in Pennsylvania?

Lancaster is recognized as one of the most peaceful cities in the state. Crime rates are below national averages, and the city has a strong sense of community. Its slower pace, walkable downtown, and active local policing make it a calm, easy place to live.

How to buy a house in Pennsylvania in a safe area?

To learn how to buy a house in Pennsylvania, start by comparing crime rates and home prices in cities like Lancaster and Allentown. Here, many neighborhoods offer a strong balance of safety and value. Get pre-approved, focus on well-rated areas, and review local property details carefully before closing to make a confident, secure choice.

Transparent & data-driven

How we ranked the safest cities

Each city is scored against the national average across three weighted categories, built entirely from FBI NIBRS crime data spanning 18 offense categories. Every metric is converted to a per-capita rate and a common 0–100 scale, so no single offense can dominate — and a city served by a non-reporting agency is never treated as crime-free.

Scoring weights

Personal Safety50%
Homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping & human trafficking vs. the national rate.
Property Security30%
Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson & theft from buildings or vehicles vs. the national rate.
Community Order20%
Simple assault, sex offenses, stolen property, vandalism, weapon & drug violations — the tiebreaker.

Read the full safety methodology

Our data source

NIBRS via FBI Crime Data ExplorerUpdated 2025Reported crime across 18 offense categories

Recalculated as each new annual NIBRS reporting year is released · agency-to-city mappings refresh quarterly.

Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.