Property crime poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of numerous communities across the United States. 

Property crimes such as burglary, theft, arson, and vandalism can have a significant impact on the quality of life, economic growth, and social cohesion of affected communities.

Based on the latest statistics provided by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, it was found that the property crime rate in 2019 stood at 21.1 per 1,000 individuals on a national level. 

However, certain Pennsylvania communities have significantly higher rates than the national average, placing them among the most hazardous areas in the country for property crime.

McKees Rocks: Pennsylvania’s Top City for Property Crime

McKees Rocks, a town of approximately 6,000 residents in Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, unfortunately experiences one of the highest property crime rates in Pennsylvania. 

In 2019, McKees Rocks had a property crime rate of 73.2 occurrences per 1,000 inhabitants, which is more than three times the national average and the highest in the state, according to UCR statistics.

McKees Rocks has faced numerous challenges over the years, including industrial decline, economic hardships, and social problems. These factors could potentially be linked to the elevated rates of property crime in the area.

The borough’s median household income is significantly lower than the state average. Additionally, the poverty rate in this area is 35.4%, which is more than double the state average of 12.5%. 

In addition, McKees Rocks has a significantly high rate of violent crime, recording the highest number of occurrences per 1,000 inhabitants in the state in 2019.

Other Cities in Pennsylvania with High Property Crime Rates

There are other cities in Pennsylvania that also have high property crime rates, not just McKees Rocks. 

In 2019, there were several cities that had property crime rates exceeding 40 incidences per 1,000 people, as reported by UCR statistics.

In Darby, a small municipality in Delaware County, the property crime rate is 54.8 occurrences per 1,000 residents.

Chester, a city of approximately 34,000 residents in Delaware County, has a property crime rate of 52.6 incidences per 1,000 residents.

McKeesport, a city with a population of approximately 19,000 in Allegheny County, has a property crime rate of 51.9 occurrences per 1,000 residents.

Yeadon, a municipality of approximately 11,000 residents in Delaware County, has a property crime rate of 48.8 occurrences per 1,000 inhabitants.

These cities also exhibit various characteristics that could potentially contribute to higher rates of property crime. These include low income levels, high poverty rates, high unemployment rates, and elevated levels of violent crime.

Pennsylvania’s Property Crime Hotspots

Property crime is a serious concern for communities, especially in certain Pennsylvania localities like McKees Rocks, where rates are well above the national average.

McKees Rocks, known for its industrial decline and societal challenges, has unfortunately earned the reputation as the state’s most hazardous city for property crime. Similar to other cities, Darby, Chester, McKeesport, and Yeadon also face challenges like low income and high poverty, leading to higher rates of property crime.

Read also: Bed Bug Infestation Plagues Three Vermont Cities