Ephrata, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Ephrata, PA

What overall crime grade does Ephrata receive?

Ephrata earns an overall crime grade of A — one of the strongest safety ratings a community can achieve. This grade reflects crime rates that fall well below national benchmarks, a low unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a poverty rate of 10.2%, both of which are closely correlated with community stability. For a borough of roughly 13,817 residents at a population density of about 1,560 people per square mile, Ephrata maintains an impressively clean safety record compared to similarly sized Pennsylvania communities.

What is the crime rate in Ephrata, PA?

Ephrata's crime rate is significantly lower than national averages, as reflected in its A overall crime grade. Property crimes such as theft and burglary represent the most frequently reported incident categories — a pattern common to small boroughs across Lancaster County — while violent crime remains rare. The borough's median household income of $54,625 and a stable local economy with only 3.4% unemployment help sustain the low-crime environment. When compared to Pennsylvania as a whole, Ephrata consistently performs in the top tier for public safety.

Is Ephrata, PA safe to live in?

Yes. With an A crime grade, Ephrata ranks among the safer communities in Lancaster County. The borough's relatively modest population density of 1,560 residents per square mile keeps it from the congestion-related crime pressures seen in larger cities. A median home value of $160,451 and median rent of $880 signal a stable, owner-occupied housing market — a factor strongly linked to lower crime rates. Neighborhoods near the Ephrata Borough Historic District and the areas surrounding Lancaster Avenue are frequently cited by residents as particularly quiet and well-maintained.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Ephrata?

Ephrata's overall A crime grade means that safety is broadly distributed across the borough rather than confined to a single pocket. That said, the neighborhoods around the Ephrata Borough Historic District, the residential streets near Ephrata Area Middle School, and communities adjacent to Cocalico consistently report minimal incident activity. These areas benefit from active community involvement, proximity to parks, and well-kept housing stock — all factors that research links to lower crime prevalence. The crime map shows that even the borough's busier commercial corridors along Main Street maintain incident levels well within the A-grade threshold.

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

Ephrata's A overall crime grade places it in a favorable position relative to most Pennsylvania municipalities. Larger cities in the state tend to score in the C-to-D range, while mid-size cities often land around B. Ephrata's combination of low unemployment (3.4%), a moderate poverty rate (10.2%), and a tight-knit population of just under 14,000 creates conditions that consistently produce top-tier safety outcomes. Residents moving from higher-density metro areas often note a marked difference in day-to-day security and peace of mind.

Is Ephrata a good place to raise a family?

The data strongly supports Ephrata as a family-friendly community. The borough holds an A crime grade, a median household income of $54,625, and a median home value of $160,451 — offering genuine affordability without sacrificing safety. The 3.4% unemployment rate reflects a healthy local job market, and the 10.2% poverty rate is moderate for a small Pennsylvania borough. Families are drawn to neighborhoods near Ephrata Area schools, local parks, and the Historic District, where incident reports are minimal and community engagement is high. For parents prioritizing both budget and safety, Ephrata's metrics are difficult to beat in Lancaster County.