Swarthmore, PA Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 56% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Swarthmore Safe?
Mostly yes — Swarthmore is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Swarthmore has a crime rate that is 25% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 367.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Swarthmore earn an A safety grade, while Swarthmore rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Swarthmore.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 367
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
28% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 63
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
14% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Swarthmore Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Swarthmore Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Swarthmore?
Safety varies dramatically across Swarthmore's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Swarthmore
All Swarthmore Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swarthmore | A | 61 |
Swarthmore Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Swarthmore zip codes.
Swarthmore Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Swarthmore, PA?
Swarthmore, PA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 25% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 367 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 63 chance for property crime. Swarthmore has lower crime than 56% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Swarthmore, PA safe to live in?
Swarthmore is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Swarthmore is one of the safest areas, while Swarthmore has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Swarthmore is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Swarthmore?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Swarthmore are Swarthmore. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Swarthmore?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Swarthmore include Swarthmore. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Swarthmore?
The estimated violent crime rate in Swarthmore is 272.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 367 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.2 per 100K (16% below average); aggravated assault at 186.5 per 100K (30% below average); robbery at 57.5 per 100K (22% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Swarthmore?
The estimated property crime rate in Swarthmore is 1,576.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 63 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 195.7 per 100K (27% below average); larceny/theft at 1,111.2 per 100K (21% below average); vehicle theft at 269.4 per 100K (16% below average).
How does Swarthmore crime compare to the national average?
Swarthmore's overall crime rate is 25% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is murder (16% below average), while assault is 30% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Swarthmore has lower crime than 56% of them.
Is Swarthmore safe to visit?
Swarthmore is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 14% below 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 Swarthmore.
How does Swarthmore crime compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania as a whole has crime that is 0% below the national average. Swarthmore's crime rate is 25% below the national average, making it safer the typical Pennsylvania city.
What type of crime is most common in Swarthmore?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Swarthmore, with an estimated rate of 1,111.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 21% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,576 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (273 per 100K) in Swarthmore, which is consistent with national trends.