Upper Penn Neighborhood, Pittsburgh

Crime Rate & Statistics

D+

Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average

Safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 159 / 300 High
Violent Crime 138
38% above national avg
Property Crime 146
46% above national avg
City Ranking
21%
safer than other
Pittsburgh neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Pittsburgh

Is Upper Penn Safe?

No — crime is noticeably above average here. Upper Penn in Pittsburgh, PA has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 159, which is 59% above the national average of 100. Upper Penn is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Compared to the Pittsburgh average (crime index 143), Upper Penn is 16% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 170, 70% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 102).

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 170 (70% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 102 (2% above avg)

Upper Penn Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Pittsburgh city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
144 +44% Moderate
Assault
160 +60% High
Robbery
145 +45% Moderate
Rape
102 +2% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
123 +23% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
170 +70% High
Vehicle Theft
144 +44% Moderate

How Upper Penn Compares

Crime index by category: Upper Penn vs Pittsburgh average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Upper Penn Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Upper Penn Demographics & Context

Population
1,148
Median Income
$45,241
Home Value
$117,846
Median Age
50
Pop. Density
8,514/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 4.8%
Graduate Degree 14%

Housing

18%
82%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 12.6%
Black 79.5%
Hispanic 2%
Asian 2.7%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Upper Penn, Pittsburgh?

Upper Penn in Pittsburgh, PA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 159, which is 59% above the national average. Compared to the Pittsburgh average, crime in Upper Penn is 16% higher. Upper Penn is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Is Upper Penn a safe neighborhood in Pittsburgh?

Upper Penn has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 170), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 102).

How does Upper Penn compare to the rest of Pittsburgh?

Upper Penn's overall crime index is 159, compared to the Pittsburgh average of 143. This means crime in Upper Penn is 16% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 138, and for property crime it is 146. 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 Upper Penn?

The most prevalent crime type in Upper Penn is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 170 (70% 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 Upper Penn?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Beacon Hill and Blackridge. These areas are close to Upper Penn and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Upper Penn?

Upper Penn has a population of approximately 1,148. The median household income is $45,241. The median home value is $117,846. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Upper Penn crime compare to the national average?

Upper Penn's overall crime rate is 59% above the national average (index 159 vs 100). Within Pittsburgh, it is safer than 21% 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.