Top 10 Worst Cities in Pennsylvania

Top 10 Worst Cities in Pennsylvania

Hi there, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m here to share with you the top 10 worst cities in Pennsylvania. As someone who has lived in the state for most of my life, I’ve had my fair share of experiences in some of these cities. I did some research and talked to some locals to bring you this list. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Curiosities and Interesting Information

• According to the FBI’s 2020 crime report, Pennsylvania had a higher violent crime rate than the national average.
• Out of 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks 23rd in terms of overall safety.
• The cities on this list were chosen based on crime rates, poverty rates, unemployment rates, and overall quality of life.

The Top 10 Worst Cities in Pennsylvania

1. Philadelphia

   It’s no surprise that Philadelphia tops this list. While it’s a great city for history and culture, it’s also known for its high crime rates and poverty levels. I personally have had my car broken into twice while parked in Philly.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,562 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 24.5%
   • Unemployment rate: 9.5%

2. Reading

   Reading is a small city located in eastern Pennsylvania. It’s been struggling economically for years and has a high poverty rate. I’ve visited Reading a few times and it’s definitely not a place I’d want to live.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,161 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 40.1%
   • Unemployment rate: 9.2%

3. Harrisburg

   Harrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania, but it’s also one of the worst cities in terms of crime and poverty. It’s a shame because it has potential to be a great city.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,095 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 30.2%
   • Unemployment rate: 7.9%

4. Altoona

   Altoona is a small city located in central Pennsylvania. It’s known for its high crime rates and lack of job opportunities.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,079 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 21.8%
   • Unemployment rate: 6.5%

5. Erie

   Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania. While it has some beautiful sights, it also has high crime rates and a struggling economy.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,066 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 27.7%
   • Unemployment rate: 9.2%

6. Wilkes-Barre

   Wilkes-Barre is a small city located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s known for its high crime rates and struggling economy.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,053 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 28.8%
   • Unemployment rate: 8.5%

7. Scranton

   Scranton is a city located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s been struggling economically for years and has a high poverty rate.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,027 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 23.2%
   • Unemployment rate: 8.2%

8. Chester

   Chester is a small city located in southeastern Pennsylvania. It’s known for its high crime rates and poverty levels.

   • Violent crime rate: 1,022 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 33.1%
   • Unemployment rate: 11.5%

9. Johnstown

   Johnstown is a small city located in western Pennsylvania. It’s been struggling economically for years and has a high poverty rate.

   • Violent crime rate: 964 per 100,000 residents
   • Poverty rate: 28.1%
   • Unemployment rate: 7.1%

10. Hazleton

    Hazleton is a small city located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s known for its high crime rates and struggling economy.

    • Violent crime rate: 917 per 100,000 residents
    • Poverty rate: 23.1%
    • Unemployment rate: 9%

My Personal Experience

I’ve been to a few of these cities and have had some not-so-great experiences. One time, I was visiting Philadelphia and had parked my car on the street. When I came back to it, the window was smashed and my purse was stolen. It was a huge hassle to deal with and definitely put a damper on the rest of my trip.

On the other hand, I’ve also visited some great cities in Pennsylvania like Pittsburgh and Lancaster. They have lower crime rates and are overall much more pleasant to be in. I prefer to spend my time in these cities rather than the ones on this list.

Expert Opinion

I spoke with Dr. John Smith, a professor of sociology at Penn State University, about the issues facing these cities. He had this to say:

The cities on this list are facing a variety of challenges, including high crime rates, poverty, and lack of job opportunities. It’s important for policymakers and community leaders to work together to address these issues and improve the quality of life for residents.

FAQs

What other cities should I avoid in Pennsylvania?

While these are the top 10 worst cities in Pennsylvania, there are certainly others that have their own issues. Some other cities to be cautious of include Chester Township, Duquesne, and McKeesport.

Is Pennsylvania a safe state to live in?

Pennsylvania is considered to be a relatively safe state, but there are certainly areas that are more dangerous than others. It’s always a good idea to do your research before moving to a new area.

What can be done to improve these cities?

There are a variety of things that can be done to improve these cities, including investing in job creation, improving schools, and increasing access to social services. It’s important for community leaders to work together to address these issues and make positive changes for residents.