Williamsport, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Williamsport, PA

What is Williamsport's overall crime grade?

Williamsport earns an overall crime grade of B-, which places it in a moderate safety tier relative to similarly sized Pennsylvania cities. This grade reflects a mix of property and violent crime activity distributed unevenly across the city's neighborhoods. Areas around Memorial Park and the historic district tend to perform better on safety metrics, while some pockets closer to the downtown corridor see higher incident concentrations. A B- grade means most residents — roughly the majority of the city's 28,437 people — go about their daily lives without direct involvement in crime, but awareness and precaution remain worthwhile habits.

How does Williamsport's poverty rate affect its crime picture?

Williamsport's poverty rate stands at 27.7%, which is notably higher than the Pennsylvania state average and is one of the strongest contextual factors shaping the city's B- crime grade. Research consistently shows a correlation between concentrated poverty and elevated property crime rates. With a median household income of just $41,190 and a median home value of $111,535, economic stress is a real backdrop for many residents. The city's 5.6% unemployment rate adds further context. Neighborhoods experiencing the highest poverty density — particularly some blocks in the downtown and south side areas — tend to show up more frequently on the crime map, while more economically stable zones like Decatur Township report fewer incidents.

What types of crime are most common in Williamsport?

Property crimes make up the largest share of reported incidents in Williamsport, consistent with national patterns for cities of its size and income profile. Theft, burglary, and vehicle-related offenses are the most frequently logged categories on the crime map. Violent crimes — including assaults — are reported at a moderate rate, with incidents more concentrated in certain high-density corridors than spread evenly across the city. Substance-related offenses also contribute a meaningful slice of total incidents, reflecting broader regional trends in Lycoming County. The B- overall grade suggests that while no single crime category is dramatically out of control, the combination of property and substance-related activity keeps Williamsport from reaching an A-tier safety rating.

Which Williamsport neighborhoods are considered safest?

Based on available crime data and community reporting patterns, neighborhoods near Memorial Park and the historic district consistently rank among the safer areas in Williamsport. Decatur Township, on the city's outskirts, also tends to see lower incident rates, benefiting from lower population density — the city overall averages 1,250 residents per square mile — and more active neighborhood watch participation. These areas tend to have higher owner-occupancy rates relative to the city's median rent of $765/month, which research links to greater community investment and lower transient crime. Prospective residents and renters can use the interactive crime map to compare specific blocks before making housing decisions.

Is Williamsport safe compared to other Pennsylvania cities?

With a B- crime grade and a population of approximately 28,437, Williamsport sits in a middle tier among Pennsylvania municipalities. It is generally safer than larger urban centers like Philadelphia or Allentown, which carry higher overall crime burdens due to scale and density. However, Williamsport's 27.7% poverty rate — one of the higher figures among Pennsylvania cities of comparable size — does elevate its risk profile relative to wealthier small cities in the state. For context, cities with similar populations but lower poverty rates often achieve A- or A grades. Williamsport's B- reflects genuine community strengths alongside real economic challenges that influence crime patterns.

Is Williamsport a good place to live from a safety standpoint?

For many residents, Williamsport's B- safety grade is acceptable, especially given the city's low cost of living — median home values of $111,535 and median rent of just $765/month make it one of the more affordable mid-size cities in Pennsylvania. Families and retirees who settle near Memorial Park, the historic district, or Decatur Township generally report feeling secure in their day-to-day lives. Students at Pennsylvania College of Technology and other local institutions also find the city manageable with standard urban awareness habits. The key takeaway: Williamsport is not a zero-crime environment, and its 27.7% poverty rate creates pockets of elevated risk, but informed neighborhood selection and routine safety practices make it a livable, even appealing, community for budget-conscious households.

How can I use Williamsport's crime map to make better decisions?

The crime map lets you filter incidents by type — theft, assault, vandalism, drug offenses — and by time period, so you can spot whether a neighborhood's activity is trending up or down rather than relying on a single snapshot. Given that Williamsport's overall grade is B-, the city-wide picture is moderate, but block-level data can reveal meaningful differences. For example, comparing incident density near downtown versus Memorial Park or Decatur Township shows stark contrasts. If you're evaluating a rental at the city's median of $765/month, cross-referencing that address on the crime map before signing a lease is a practical, data-driven step. You can also set up alerts through platforms linked to the Williamsport Police Department to receive notifications about incidents in your specific area.