Allentown, PA Crime Rate & Safety

Allentown, PA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 72% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 169 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 27 chance for property crime. Allentown has higher crime than 93% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Allentown has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 70% of the city's 33 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Rose Garden is one of the safest areas, while Downtown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Allentown is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Allentown are Rose Garden, Hamilton Park, Woodlawn Park, Alton Park, and Westbrook Park. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Allentown include Downtown, Overlook Park, Jordan Heights / Old Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds, and Susquehanna Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Allentown is 593.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 56% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 169 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.8 per 100K (76% above average); aggravated assault at 420.6 per 100K (57% above average); robbery at 118.7 per 100K (61% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Allentown is 3,742.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 104% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 27 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 409.2 per 100K (52% above average); larceny/theft at 2,739.0 per 100K (95% above average); vehicle theft at 594.2 per 100K (86% above average).

Allentown's overall crime rate is 72% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (95% above average), while rape is 34% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Allentown has higher crime than 93% of them.

Visitors to Allentown should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 104% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Rose Garden, Hamilton Park, Woodlawn Park.

Pennsylvania as a whole has crime that is 0% below the national average. Allentown's crime rate is 72% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Pennsylvania city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Allentown, with an estimated rate of 2,739.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 95% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,742 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (593 per 100K) in Allentown, which is consistent with national trends.