Chester, PA Crime Rate & Safety

Chester, PA has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 828% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 31 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 6 chance for property crime. Chester has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Chester has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. Approximately 0% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Chester is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Chester are Delaware County Fairgrounds. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The estimated violent crime rate in Chester is 3,246.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 753% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 44.2 per 100K (784% above average); aggravated assault at 2,356.9 per 100K (779% above average); robbery at 568.7 per 100K (670% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Chester is 17,458.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 853% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 6 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 2,326.8 per 100K (762% above average); larceny/theft at 12,243.0 per 100K (773% above average); vehicle theft at 2,888.5 per 100K (806% above average).

Chester's overall crime rate is 828% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (806% above average), while robbery is 670% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Chester has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to Chester should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 853% 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 Delaware County Fairgrounds.

Pennsylvania as a whole has crime that is 0% below the national average. Chester's crime rate is 828% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Pennsylvania city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Chester, with an estimated rate of 12,243.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 773% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (17,458 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (3,247 per 100K) in Chester, which is consistent with national trends.