Upper Darby, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Darby, PA Crime

What is Upper Darby's overall crime grade?

Upper Darby currently holds an overall crime grade of D+, indicating that crime rates are notably higher than the national average. This grade reflects a combination of property and violent crime data across the township's densely populated 4,089 residents-per-square-mile footprint. While a D+ is a serious signal for prospective residents and homebuyers, it is worth noting that crime is not uniformly distributed — neighborhoods closer to Drexel Hill and parts of the township bordering Haverford tend to report fewer incidents than areas near the 69th Street corridor and Lansdowne Avenue. Using the interactive crime map to filter by neighborhood and incident type gives a much clearer picture than the township-wide grade alone.

Is Upper Darby safe to live in?

Safety in Upper Darby depends heavily on which part of the township you are in. The township's D+ overall crime grade and a poverty rate of 13.7% — paired with an unemployment rate of 6.6% — create economic pressures that correlate with elevated property crime in certain districts. That said, neighborhoods in the Drexel Hill section and areas near the western edge of the township bordering Havertown consistently see lower incident densities on the crime map. Families and long-term residents in those pockets often describe their blocks as quiet and community-oriented. The key takeaway: Upper Darby is not uniformly unsafe, but informed neighborhood selection is essential, and regularly consulting updated crime data is strongly recommended.

What types of crime are most common in Upper Darby?

Property crimes make up the largest share of reported incidents in Upper Darby, consistent with national patterns for dense suburban townships. Theft — including shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and retail theft concentrated around the 69th Street Transit Center commercial zone — accounts for a disproportionate portion of total calls. Burglary rates are also elevated relative to comparable Pennsylvania townships, a pattern that tracks with the township's median home value of just $149,980 and high residential density. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, occur at rates above the state average, with incidents more concentrated in the central and southeastern sections of the township. Drug-related offenses continue to be a persistent factor, particularly in corridors with higher foot traffic. Reviewing the crime map's category filters lets you isolate each of these incident types by block.

How does Upper Darby's crime rate compare to nearby areas?

Upper Darby's D+ crime grade places it below most of its immediate Delaware County neighbors. Townships like Haverford, Radnor, and Marple typically earn B or higher grades, reflecting lower crime density and higher median incomes. Upper Darby's median household income of $57,655 and median rent of $1,043 position it as one of the more affordable — and more densely populated — municipalities in the region, which contributes to a higher volume of reported incidents. Compared to the city of Philadelphia directly to the east, Upper Darby's overall crime picture is somewhat better, particularly for violent crime, but property crime rates remain a shared challenge along the border corridor. The crime map's comparison layer allows you to view incident density side-by-side with adjacent zip codes for direct context.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Upper Darby?

Within Upper Darby's boundaries, the Drexel Hill section consistently appears as one of the lower-crime areas on the township map, benefiting from stronger median incomes, active civic associations, and lower residential density relative to central Upper Darby. The Beverly Hills neighborhood and portions of the township near the Haverford border also show fewer incident clusters in property and violent crime categories. By contrast, the areas immediately surrounding the 69th Street Transit Center and sections along Lansdowne Avenue toward the Philadelphia border show higher incident concentrations, particularly for theft and assault. No neighborhood in a D+-rated township is entirely insulated from crime, but these distinctions matter significantly for day-to-day quality of life and home security planning.

Is Upper Darby a good place to buy a home given its crime grade?

Upper Darby's median home value of $149,980 is strikingly low compared to the greater Philadelphia metro area, and that affordability is partly a reflection of the township's D+ crime grade. For buyers who are budget-conscious and willing to research specific blocks, the value proposition can still be compelling — particularly in Drexel Hill and the western neighborhoods where crime grades are meaningfully better than the township average. However, buyers should factor in the cost of home security measures, potential insurance rate differences, and resale dynamics tied to crime perception. The township's population of 82,876 and strong transit access via the 69th Street Terminal do support long-term demand, but due diligence using the block-level crime map is essential before committing to any specific address.

How can I stay updated on crime in my Upper Darby neighborhood?

The most reliable real-time source is the Upper Darby Police Department (udpd.org), which publishes incident reports and community alerts. Supplementing that with the doorprofit.com crime map — which visualizes incident type, frequency, and location across Upper Darby's neighborhoods — gives you both the macro grade (D+ township-wide) and the micro view of your specific block. Third-party tools like CrimeMapping.com and Neighbors by Ring aggregate police-reported incidents and community observations in near real-time. For residents in higher-density sections near the 69th Street corridor or Lansdowne Avenue, setting up email or push alerts through these platforms ensures you are notified of incidents within a defined radius of your home without having to check manually.