Living in Pennsylvania means one can choose among various lifestyles; the main options are lively cities and peaceful towns. Many communities keep their crime rates significantly lower than the national average.
Pennsylvania is a state in which families and individuals can always find their preferred spot in every part of the state. Our selection of the safest cities in Pennsylvania is your guide to selecting the perfect neighborhood. Come along where safety and community are flourishing together.
Pennsylvania's Safety Mosaic: A Statewide Overview

Pennsylvania shows a mixed but generally positive safety map. The state's crime rate for all offenses averaged 19.8 per 1,000 population, which is lower than the national average. The rate of violent crimes was 2.9 per 1,000, and this can be considered a strong indicator of safety in the community. These figures indicate that the state maintains its security standards.
On the other hand, safety is not uniform throughout the state. Crime statistics are high in downtown urban areas; however, suburbs and rural towns are doing exceptionally well.
The safest places are quite often those where good police practices coexist with active local participation. Such a collaboration leads to the establishment of environments where crime rates may be 50-70% lower than state averages. Hence, these communities provide evidence that safety can be guaranteed throughout Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's Safest Communities for 2024
The ranking we present takes into account several safety factors besides crime figures. Community involvement, police presence, and neighborhood programs were among the criteria we applied. Each city offers its own benefits to the residents, who are always conscious of their security. So, here are the best cities for 2025:
|
Rank |
City |
Crime Rate per 1,000 |
Population |
Safety Features |
|
1 |
Collegeville |
3.2 |
5,400 |
University partnership, neighborhood watch |
|
2 |
Murrysville |
4.1 |
20,200 |
Community policing, family programs |
|
3 |
Upper St. Clair |
4.5 |
21,100 |
School security, residential patrols |
|
4 |
Fox Chapel |
4.8 |
5,400 |
Private security, geographic advantage |
|
5 |
Lower Merion |
5.2 |
63,000 |
Urban buffer, police response time |
|
6 |
McCandless |
5.6 |
29,000 |
Balanced safety, community events |
|
7 |
Peters Township |
5.9 |
22,500 |
Growth management, security planning |
|
8 |
West Goshen |
6.3 |
22,500 |
Commercial safety, residential protection |
|
9 |
Radnor Township |
6.7 |
31,500 |
Historic district safety, trail security |
|
10 |
Hampden Township |
7.1 |
29,300 |
Rural-urban balance, watch programs |
Source: NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes
Collegeville: Academic Security
Collegeville is where first-class education meets first-rate safety. The Montgomery County town not only hosts Ursinus College but also has an extremely low crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents. The community is well educated and culturally enriched, which is making the security picture more favorable. Besides, the Perkiomen Creek's natural beauty offers a safe place for recreation.
The town's security is humanized through its community-university alliance. The local police force and campus security work hand in hand to be highly visible. A vibrant community where residents actively participate in the safe enjoyment of arts festivals and academic events is a direct product of this partnership. Collegeville has it all, being a college town with great cultural advantages.
Murrysville: Suburban Sanctuary
Murrysville combines the tranquility of the suburbs and remarkable security. The Westmoreland County community, with a crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000, prioritizes the needs of children and families. The town's hilly landscape and forests provide not only natural but also social privacy and security. The stronger family community supports initiatives aimed at preserving safety, mainly because of its predominantly family-oriented demographic composition.
Safety standards are maintained through neighborhood watches and community policing. The town's location in Turtle Creek Valley provides both beauty and natural boundaries. Murrysville reinforces the belief that suburbs can achieve a perfect balance of security with the help of natural advantages.
Upper St. Clair: Educational Excellence
Upper St. Clair combines academic performance and superior safety. The community's 4.5 crime rate, the lowest in the county, is a factor that plays into the quality of life given by the school district's fame. The majority of residents, who belong to the affluent professional class, also spend money to make the community safer. The area's hills also serve a safety purpose.
The community provides the necessary resources to implement the safety initiatives effectively. Residents have access to well-kept public areas and community centers. Upper St. Clair is a good example of how the educational and security priorities really do strengthen one another.
Fox Chapel: Affluent Protection
Fox Chapel is a place where you can live in a sophisticated manner while maintaining the highest safety standards. This community in Allegheny County has a crime rate of 4.8, indicating its commitment to safety. The luxury executives and professionals who inhabit the area enjoy both seclusion and security. The area's location on the River Allegheny not only adds beauty but also provides security.
Private security and public policing are in perfect collaboration over this community. The estate-style properties, along with the wooded lots, provide privacy. Fox Chapel is an ideal case study demonstrating how resources and geography can produce remarkable safety.
Lower Merion: Suburban Security
Lower Merion is an area where urban facilities are accessible, yet with suburban safety. The crime rate in this community in Montgomery County is 5.2, even though it is right next to Philadelphia, which is known to be a dangerous city. The diverse population, comprising professionals and academics, fosters a sense of security among the people. The town's location along the Main Line adds historic charm to today's safety.
The community's tax base funds quick police response services. The associations of each neighborhood are actively involved in maintaining property standards and security. Lower Merion offers a mix of cultural opportunities and residential safety.
McCandless: Balanced Community Safety
McCandless maintains a remarkable safety equilibrium across its varied neighborhoods. The town's significant security policy is reflected in its 5.6 crime rate. The stable demographic base comprises middle-class families and retirees. The entire community has free access to North Park's vast, safe trail systems.
Participation in community events strengthens the ties between neighborhoods. The town's location, to the north of Pittsburgh, offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of proximity and the advantages of retreat. McCandless is the best example of a mid-sized town that provides overall safety.
Peters Township: Growing with Security
Peters Township supervises the fast growth and, at the same time, operates an extremely safe environment. The 5.9 crime rate of this Washington County suburb is a clear sign of its proper planning. The area with its outstanding schools and recreational facilities is a new family's favourite place to live. The township's forward-moving development has already incorporated security planning.
New constructions are fitted with the latest safety technologies right from the start. Security is a major consideration when community planning committees decide on all growth proposals. Peters Township is a perfect example of how safety can be a pillar of community growth.
West Goshen: Commercial-Residential Harmony
West Goshen Township, on the other hand, successfully creates a protective umbrella for its residents while allowing unrestricted growth of its business sector. This township's 6.3 crime rate, which shows extensive police activity, is an indicator of the effectiveness of law enforcement tactics. The area benefits from its strategic location in Chester County, which ensures economic vitality and drives more business activity.
The police patrols are designed so that both commercial and residential areas are covered by security forces simultaneously and separately. West Goshen proves that residential safety can coexist with economic activities without conflict.
Radnor Township: Historic District Security
Radnor Township has maintained its historic character while updating its safety standards to modern levels. The community's 6.7 crime rate aligns with its preserved buildings. The population consists mainly of wealthy professionals and academics, with the township's location on the Main Line increasing its appeal for security reasons.
Part of historic preservation is discreetly updating security systems. The Radnor Trail network is safely managed for community use. The township of Radnor is a perfect example of how to maintain the historical charm while meeting contemporary security needs.
Hampden Township: Rural-Urban Balance
Hampden Township has created a secure environment that is both urban and rural. The community has a 7.1 crime rate, which reflects this successful balance. The population is mixed, including both old families and newcomers. The Susquehanna River not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a natural barrier against potential threats.
The township gives equal priority to the safety of farming and suburban areas. The neighborhood watch programs are most active here. Hampden Township is showing how different environments can enjoy excellent safety standards.
Source: NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes

Tech-Driven Safety for the Modern Pennsylvania Home
The varied seasons and landscapes of Pennsylvania require adaptable security plans. These practical tips not only help address common state-specific concerns but also enhance your family's safety year-round.
Implement Layered Lighting Solutions
Put motion-sensitive lighting around all entrances and along the paths. Use a combination of solar-powered lights for the outer perimeter and hardwired lighting near the doors. This method will keep burglars away and, at the same time, provide safe passage during early winter evenings in Pennsylvania. Smart lighting schedules can mimic the presence of people at home during your absence.
Establish Seasonal Security Routines
With the different seasons in Pennsylvania, it is time to change your security practices accordingly. Summer is the time to focus on the security of the vacation home and windows left open. In autumn, fallen leaves should be removed from around the security cameras and sensors. Winter requires backup power planning for storm-related outages and clear camera views after snowfall.
Create Neighborhood Watch Networks
Organize or participate in local watch programs tailored to your neighborhood. Exchange contact details with trustworthy neighbors for swift communication. Determine the ways to report suspicious behavior to local police. Attend community safety meetings and engage in police partnership programs.
Deploy Smart Technology Systems
New-age security systems provide comprehensive protection that adapts to your lifestyle. These kinds of solutions deliver alerts instantly and also bear the chance of monitoring for the time being.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10

Theeufy ExpertSecure System E10Ā secures with 24/7 professional monitoring. It's a local video alarm system with two security cameras, a video doorbell, an alarm system, and a few sensors. All these help you monitor your house remotely. Even if you are away, the professional monitoring service is ready to ensure security and respond in case of any issue.
eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max
The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 MaxĀ is a complete system to secure a large area. It is equipped with four triple-lens security cameras, and you can connect up to 16 cameras. The cameras capture videos in high resolution and track the motion of objects with pan-and-tilt motion. The synchronization tracks every moment and leaves no area unmonitored. With its local AI, detecting genuine threats becomes a lot easier.
Secure All Entry Points Systematically
Carry out quarterly checks on all doors, windows, and garage entries. Switch to smart locks that come with access history monitoring. Use reinforced strike plates and consider security film for the ground-level windows. Make sure that the basement and attic access points get the same level of security as the others.
FAQs
Are Pennsylvania's rural areas generally safe?
Rural communities often hold great safety records. Nonetheless, the longer police response times impose more self-reliant security measures. At times, rural inhabitants will have the aid of improved property surveillance and neighborly cooperation networks.
Which Pennsylvania region has the most consistent safety?
Philadelphia suburbs have shown remarkable consistency in safety levels. Community areas in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties have kept their crime rates low. These regions are characterized by effective urban access combined with suburban security.
How do Pennsylvania's four seasons affect home security?
Seasonal variations call for changes in security features. The winter season necessitates planning for backup power in case of storm outages. The summer season requires taking measures to protect the vacation house's security. In autumn, the camera needs maintenance due to falling leaves. While in spring, the security system needs to be checked for winter damage.
Summary
The real power of Pennsylvania's safety lies in its wide range of secure options. If you like a picturesque historical place, a practical suburban area, or a tranquil natural environment, there is a safe community that fits your imagination. By choosing one of these unique towns and adopting security measures tailored to your needs, you not only get a low crime rate but also the valuable freedom to take advantage of Pennsylvania's great opportunities with absolute tranquillity.

