Penn Square Neighborhood, Allentown
Crime Rate & Statistics
Average crime levels — comparable to the national average
Safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Allentown
Safety at a Glance
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in Allentown
Is Penn Square Safe?
It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Penn Square in Allentown, PA has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average of 100. Penn Square is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Allentown.
Compared to the Allentown average (crime index 129), Penn Square is 42% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 70). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Penn Square 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
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Assault
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
180 | +80% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
How Penn Square Compares
Crime index by category: Penn Square vs Allentown average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Penn Square Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Penn Square Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Penn Square, Allentown?
Penn Square in Allentown, PA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average. Compared to the Allentown average, crime in Penn Square is 42% higher. Penn Square is safer than 12% of neighborhoods in Allentown.
Is Penn Square a safe neighborhood in Allentown?
Penn Square has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Rape (index: 180), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 70).
How does Penn Square compare to the rest of Allentown?
Penn Square's overall crime index is 171, compared to the Allentown average of 129. This means crime in Penn Square is 42% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 156, and for property crime it is 126. 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 Penn Square?
The most prevalent crime type in Penn Square is Rape, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Penn Square?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Cumberland Gardens, Dutch Hill, Fairviewers and Washington Crossing. These areas are close to Penn Square and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Penn Square?
Penn Square has a population of approximately 306. The median household income is $35,783. The median home value is $168,019. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Penn Square crime compare to the national average?
Penn Square's overall crime rate is 71% above the national average (index 171 vs 100). Within Allentown, it is safer than 12% 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.