What is the Crime Rate in Pittsburgh, PA?
Overview of Crime in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a city with a rich history and a growing community. As with any city, crime is a concern that affects many residents and visitors. It is essential to understand the crime rate in Pittsburgh to make informed decisions about safety and security.
Understanding Crime Rates
Crime rates are typically measured by the number of reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. This includes violent and property crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, theft, and vandalism. The overall crime rate in Pittsburgh varies depending on the neighborhood and type of crime.
Crime Rates in Pittsburgh Compared to National Average
The FBI provides crime data for cities across the United States, including Pittsburgh. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Pittsburgh’s crime rate has been steadily declining over the past decade. In 2020, the crime rate in Pittsburgh was 5,343.61 per 100,000 inhabitants, lower than the national average of 4,092.49 per 100,000.
Violent Crime Rates in Pittsburgh
Violent crimes accounted for approximately 12.6% of all crimes reported in Pittsburgh in 2020. The breakdown of violent crimes in Pittsburgh includes:
• Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: 72 cases in 2020 (a rate of 6.34 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Rape: 236 cases in 2020 (a rate of 21.15 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Robbery: 2,113 cases in 2020 (a rate of 190.21 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Agricultural Crime: 14 cases in 2020 (a rate of 1.26 per 100,000 inhabitants)
Property Crime Rates in Pittsburgh
Property crimes accounted for approximately 87.4% of all crimes reported in Pittsburgh in 2020. The breakdown of property crimes in Pittsburgh includes:
• Burglary: 3,414 cases in 2020 (a rate of 306.33 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Larceny-theft: 24,415 cases in 2020 (a rate of 2,194.39 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 1,033 cases in 2020 (a rate of 92.75 per 100,000 inhabitants)
• Arson: 23 cases in 2020 (a rate of 2.05 per 100,000 inhabitants)
Neighborhood Crime Statistics
Crime rates can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood. Here is a breakdown of the crime rates for some of Pittsburgh’s most popular neighborhoods:
Neighborhood | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
---|---|---|
Shadyside | 1,341.23 | 3,512.58 |
Downtown | 1,435.85 | 6,454.55 |
Bloomfield | 1,012.54 | 2,645.61 |
East Liberty | 1,245.19 | 4,311.17 |
Squirrel Hill | 941.56 | 2,333.31 |
Reducing Crime in Pittsburgh
The City of Pittsburgh is committed to reducing crime through various initiatives, including:
• Community Policing: Pittsburgh’s police department has a strong focus on community policing, which includes building relationships with residents, businesses, and community groups.
• Crime Prevention: The city offers a range of crime prevention programs, including neighborhood watch groups, citizen academies, and safety fairs.
• Restorative Justice: Pittsburgh is one of the few cities in the United States that has adopted restorative justice, a approach that focuses on holding offenders accountable and providing justice to victims.
• Investing in Neighborhoods: The city is investing in revitalization efforts, including streetscaping, lighting, and infrastructure improvements, to make neighborhoods more attractive and safe.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh’s crime rate is influenced by a variety of factors, including demographics, economy, and social conditions. While the city still has a ways to go in terms of reducing crime, there are signs of improvement, and community-based initiatives are helping to make a difference. It is essential to stay informed about crime statistics and safety tips to protect yourself and your community.
Table: Crime Rate Comparison between Pittsburgh and the National Average
Type of Crime | Pittsburgh Crime Rate | National Average |
---|---|---|
Violent Crime Rate | 5,343.61 | 4,092.49 |
Property Crime Rate | 3,511.18 | 2,451.24 |
Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter Rate | 6.34 | 3.49 |
Rape Rate | 21.15 | 27.55 |
Sources
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program
- City of Pittsburgh Police Department
- Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Annual Reports