Chester, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Chester, PA

Is Chester, PA safe?

Chester receives an overall crime grade of F — the lowest possible rating — making it one of the higher-crime small cities in Pennsylvania. Every neighborhood analyzed across the city falls into the F grade tier, meaning 100% of Chester's neighborhoods are classified as high crime. For context, the city's poverty rate stands at 30.4% and unemployment at 14.3%, both of which are strongly correlated with elevated crime levels nationally. The densely populated city (approximately 2,704 residents per square mile) compounds these challenges. Visitors and residents should exercise consistent situational awareness, secure their property, and stay current with local crime reports.

What is the crime rate in Chester, PA?

Chester's crime profile is severe enough that all 1 neighborhood analyzed earned a grade of F — a 100% concentration in the highest-risk category, with 0% of neighborhoods graded A, B, C, or D. The city's median household income of $32,867 is roughly half the Pennsylvania state median, and nearly 1 in 3 residents (30.4%) lives below the poverty line. These socioeconomic indicators are consistent with cities that experience elevated rates of both property and violent crime. The combination of a 14.3% unemployment rate and a median home value of just $71,497 reflects the broader economic stress that research consistently links to higher crime incidence.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Chester, PA?

Based on current data, Delaware County Fairgrounds is the highest-ranked neighborhood in Chester — though it still carries a grade of F. Its population is relatively small at approximately 106 residents, and its median income of $62,121 is notably higher than the citywide median of $32,867 — nearly double the city average. That income disparity may contribute to marginally different crime dynamics in that pocket of the city. However, it is important to be clear: no Chester neighborhood currently grades above an F, meaning there is no area that qualifies as low-crime by standard benchmarks. Prospective residents should weigh these grades carefully and monitor updated crime map data as conditions evolve.

Is Chester, PA a good place to live?

Chester presents serious challenges for those prioritizing safety and economic opportunity. With a citywide crime grade of F, a poverty rate of 30.4%, an unemployment rate of 14.3%, and a median household income of $32,867, the data paints a difficult picture. The median rent of $878/month is relatively affordable, and the city's location along the Delaware River offers some quality-of-life advantages, but these must be weighed against the fact that 100% of analyzed neighborhoods fall in the F grade tier. For families or individuals for whom safety is a top priority, Chester's current crime grades suggest significant caution is warranted. Those already rooted in the community may find value in neighborhood watch programs, local civic engagement, and resources offered through the Chester Police Department to help improve local conditions.

How does Chester's crime compare to other Pennsylvania cities?

Chester's F overall crime grade and 0% of neighborhoods graded C or above place it at the high-risk end of the spectrum among Pennsylvania municipalities. The city's 30.4% poverty rate is more than three times the national average of roughly 11–12%, and its 14.3% unemployment rate is more than double typical state and national benchmarks. With a population of approximately 33,855 and a density of 2,704 people per square mile, Chester is a compact urban environment where crime can feel more concentrated. Comparing these figures to neighboring Delaware County communities — many of which carry higher median incomes and lower crime grades — underscores the degree to which Chester faces outsized safety challenges relative to its regional peers.