Pennsylvania’s a beautiful state but, as in any part of the country, there are some places you really just want to take extra precautions when visiting after the sun goes down. The 10 most dangerous places in Pennsylvania, according to the FBI’s latest statistics (2014), as reported by WTAE, are determined based on the population of the area and the number of violent crimes, which include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

1. Darby
Darby, PA, USA
Flickr/Jukle Bot
Darby tops the list of dangerous cities in Pennsylvania. With a population of only 10,687, Darby saw 412 total crimes in 2014 with the largest numbers coming in at 227 aggravated assaults and 121 rapes. Read more about Darby, PA.
2. Mount Oliver
Mount Oliver, PA 15210, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The Pittsburgh community of Mount Oliver earned the second spot on this list of dangerous places to avoid in Pennsylvania. The relatively small community of 3,380 had a total of 76 crimes in 2014. While there were no murders, Mount Oliver did have two rapes, 24 robberies, and 50 aggravated assaults. Learn more about Mount Oliver.
3. Chester Township
Chester Township, PA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Chester Township, a community of 4,121, claims the third spot with a total of 77 violent crimes in 2014 with 10 robberies and 67 aggravated assaults. Check out more about Chester County.
4. Homestead
Homestead, PA 15120, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
A community of only 3,147, Homestead tallied 58 violent crimes in 2014: 27 aggravated assaults, 27 robberies, and four rapes in this neighborhood just outside of Pittsburgh. Find out more about Homestead.
5. McKeesport
McKeesport, PA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jz7641
Another southwestern Pennsylvanian town near Pittsburgh, McKeesport comes in at number five for the most dangerous places in the state. The community of 21,405 experienced 384 violent crimes in 2014, including four murders, seven rapes, 51 robberies, and 322 aggravated assaults. This town also has a creepy hike you can take if you've got a group with you. Find out about this this haunted hike in McKeesport.

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6. Chester
Chester, PA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Approximately 34,056 Pennsylvanians call Chester, the sixth spot on our list, home. Chester experienced 523 violent crimes in 2014 with 30 murders, 28 rapes, 296 aggravated assaults, and 169 robberies. Read more about Chester County.
7. Ambridge
Ambridge, PA 15003, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Although the town of Ambridge, with a population of 6,931, saw no murders in 2014, it accrued enough violent crime to make it to the seventh spot on the list of most dangerous places in Pennsylvania with 103 violent crimes, 90 of which were aggravated assaults. Learn more about Ambridge.
8. Upland
Upland, PA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Coming in at number eight on the list of dangerous cities in Pennsylvania, Upland has a population of 3,252 and experienced 48 crimes, including one murder and and two rapes, in 2014. The vast majority of violent crimes, however, were aggravated assaults at 39. Read more about Upland.
9. Duquesne
Duquesne, PA, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Duquesne, a town of 5,543, comes in at number nine with 79 violent crimes in 2014, the vast majority (53) of which were aggravated assaults. However, four murders and three rapes were also committed that year. Check out more about Duquesne.
10. Indiana
Indiana, PA, USA
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Rounding out the top 10 most dangerous places in Pennsylvania is the home of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With a population of 14,072, Indiana tallied 190 violent crimes in 2014. While there weren't any murders, Indiana did see nine rapes, 11 robberies, and 170 aggravated assaults. Check out more about Indiana, PA.
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Other notable places that made the list of the top 25 most dangerous places in Pennsylvania include Harrisburg (population 49,109) at number 16 with 547 violent crimes, 17 of which were murders. With a population of 1,559,062, Philadelphia came in at 18 with 15,925 violent crimes, which included 248 murders and 7,500 aggravated assaults.

Does your hometown appear on the list? Here’s the 2015 list of the most dangerous places in Pennsylvania if you’re interested in seeing how the rankings have changed.

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Most Dangerous Places in Pennsylvania

Danielle Schwartz | June 13, 2022

What are the most scenic towns in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has lots of lovely small towns for you to enjoy, whether you're on vacation or have lived in the state all your life. We have plenty of favorite scenic towns in Pennsylvania, but here are some of our favorites. Lititz is a favorite for those who love charming boutiques and sweet cafes. And if you are a theater fan, you've got to go to New Hope for an amazing show. And Manayunk is great for water views because it's right on the canal, making for some extra pretty sights as you walk around.

What are the creepiest towns in Pennsylvania?

There are enough haunted towns in our state that we've put together a road trip to creepy towns in Pennsylvania for you if you're looking for some thrills and chills of the supernatural variety. A drive along Hansell Road in Buckingham might lead you to mysterious floating orbs and mysterious beings gazing at you from behind the fog. If you're looking for some indoor ghosts, head to the famous King George Inn II for some haunted happenings revolving around the Founding Fathers, multiple of whom graced the Inn hundreds of years ago.

What are the smallest towns in Pennsylvania?

Landisburg is one of the smallest towns in Pennsylvania. It only covers 0.1 square miles of land, and has just 195 residents. This town is certainly the opposite of big city life! There are lots of tiny towns you might not know about in our state that have similar small populations. For example, Ursina has about 250 residents. In Taylorstown, you'll find Taylorstown, which is only home to 217 people. It is an official historic district as well as being a cool place to visit on a day trip.

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