Downtown Neighborhood, Allentown
Crime Rate & Statistics
Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Allentown
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Allentown
Is Downtown Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average here. Downtown in Allentown, PA has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Allentown.
Compared to the Allentown average (crime index 129), Downtown is 61% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Allentown city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Assault
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Rape
|
176 | +76% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
192 | +92% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Allentown average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Allentown?
Downtown in Allentown, PA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. Compared to the Allentown average, crime in Downtown is 61% higher. Downtown is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Allentown.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Allentown?
Downtown has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 194), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 175). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Allentown.
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Allentown?
Downtown's overall crime index is 190, compared to the Allentown average of 129. This means crime in Downtown is 61% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 185, and for property crime it is 187. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairviewers, Dawn Square and West Park Historic District. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 2,252. The median household income is $21,878. The median home value is $173,963. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 90% above the national average (index 190 vs 100). Within Allentown, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.