Downtown Neighborhood, Wilkes Barre
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Wilkes Barre
Safety at a Glance
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in Wilkes Barre
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Downtown in Wilkes Barre, PA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Wilkes Barre.
Compared to the Wilkes Barre average (crime index 126), Downtown is 21% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 189, 89% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 140).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Wilkes Barre city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Assault
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Rape
|
189 | +89% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
181 | +81% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Wilkes Barre average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Wilkes Barre?
Downtown in Wilkes Barre, PA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average. Compared to the Wilkes Barre average, crime in Downtown is 21% higher. Downtown is safer than 46% of neighborhoods in Wilkes Barre.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Wilkes Barre?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Wilkes Barre, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 189), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 140).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Wilkes Barre?
Downtown's overall crime index is 147, compared to the Wilkes Barre average of 126. This means crime in Downtown is 21% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 172, and for property crime it is 169. 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 Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Rape, with a crime index of 189 (89% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Heights, North End, East End and Mayflower / Iron Triangle. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 2,086. The median household income is $23,253. The median home value is $178,471. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average (index 147 vs 100). Within Wilkes Barre, it is safer than 46% 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.