Elizabethtown, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Elizabethtown, PA

What is Elizabethtown's overall crime grade?

Elizabethtown earns an A overall crime grade, placing it among the safest communities in Pennsylvania. With a population of 11,445 and a population density of 1,666 residents per square mile, the borough maintains safety metrics that outperform most comparably sized towns in the state. The combination of a relatively low poverty rate of 9.3%, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and strong community engagement all contribute to this high safety rating. An A grade means residents face meaningfully lower risk across both property and violent crime categories compared to national benchmarks.

Is Elizabethtown, PA safe to live in?

Yes — Elizabethtown's A crime grade reflects a genuinely safe living environment. The town's median household income of $59,960 and median home value of $185,011 signal a stable, working-class community where economic stress-driven crime remains low. The 9.3% poverty rate is well below many national averages, which research consistently links to reduced crime incidence. Violent crimes are rare occurrences here, and even property crimes — the most common category in small boroughs like Elizabethtown — are reported at rates significantly below the national average. Families, retirees, and young professionals consistently rank Elizabethtown as one of Lancaster County's more appealing places to settle.

What types of crime are most common in Elizabethtown?

As is typical for small Pennsylvania boroughs earning an A crime grade, the most frequently reported incidents in Elizabethtown fall into the property crime category — primarily minor theft, occasional vehicle break-ins, and infrequent vandalism. Violent crimes such as assault or robbery represent a small fraction of total reported incidents and occur far less often than in larger nearby cities. The town's low unemployment rate of 4.1% and median rent of $957 — affordable relative to regional averages — help limit the economic pressures that often drive opportunistic crime. Residents in areas near the downtown historic district and surrounding residential neighborhoods like Rheems generally report feeling secure in their day-to-day lives.

How does Elizabethtown's crime rate compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?

Elizabethtown's A overall crime grade positions it favorably against both Pennsylvania state averages and national benchmarks. While Pennsylvania's larger urban centers — Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading — contend with significantly higher crime rates, smaller boroughs like Elizabethtown benefit from tight-knit community structures and proactive local policing. With only 11,445 residents spread across a modest footprint of 1,666 people per square mile, the borough avoids the anonymity that can contribute to higher crime in denser areas. The 9.3% poverty rate, while present, is low enough that it does not significantly elevate risk compared to state or national norms.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Elizabethtown?

Elizabethtown's compact size means safety levels are relatively consistent across the borough, all contributing to that A crime grade. The historic downtown core benefits from high foot traffic, active community presence, and regular police patrols, keeping incident rates low. Residential areas surrounding Elizabethtown College and the Rheems community to the north are frequently cited by residents as particularly quiet and family-friendly. Newer suburban developments on the borough's outskirts also tend to report minimal crime activity. Across all these areas, property values — with a median home value of $185,011 — reflect the market's confidence in neighborhood stability and safety.

Is Elizabethtown a good place to buy a home from a safety perspective?

From a safety standpoint, Elizabethtown makes a strong case for homebuyers. The borough's A crime grade means you're investing in a community where risk to person and property is statistically low. The median home value of $185,011 is accessible relative to broader Pennsylvania markets, and the median household income of $59,960 supports comfortable homeownership. A low unemployment rate of 4.1% reduces neighborhood economic instability — a key predictor of property crime trends. The median rent of $957 also keeps the rental market stable, limiting the rapid turnover that can sometimes correlate with increased crime in other communities. For buyers prioritizing safety alongside affordability, Elizabethtown's data profile is difficult to overlook.