Erie, PA Crime Rate & Safety

Erie, PA has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 9% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 251 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 42 chance for property crime. Erie has higher crime than 72% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Erie has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 94% of the city's 16 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Glenwood is one of the safest areas, while Trinity Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Erie is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Erie are Glenwood, Mercyhurst, Frontier, Greengarden, and East Grandview. 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 Erie include Trinity Park, East Bayfront, Bayfront, Lakeside, and Downtown. 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 Erie is 398.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 5% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 251 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.5 per 100K (10% above average); aggravated assault at 284.2 per 100K (6% above average); robbery at 75.1 per 100K (2% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Erie is 2,364.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 42 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 276.6 per 100K (3% above average); larceny/theft at 1,703.0 per 100K (21% above average); vehicle theft at 384.5 per 100K (21% above average).

Erie's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (21% above average), while rape is 0% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Erie has higher crime than 72% of them.

Visitors to Erie should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 29% 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 Glenwood, Mercyhurst, Frontier.

Pennsylvania as a whole has crime that is 0% below the national average. Erie's crime rate is 9% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Pennsylvania city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Erie, with an estimated rate of 1,703.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 21% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,364 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (398 per 100K) in Erie, which is consistent with national trends.