Erie, PA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Erie, PA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Erie crime rate is 23.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Erie, there were 567 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 607 per 100,000 individuals, 64.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Erie recorded 2114 property crimes, amounting to 2264 per 100,000 residents, 15.9% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Erie?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Erie residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 82 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Erie residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Erie a Safe Place to Live?

Is Erie a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Erie has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 24%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 7.35 daily incidents, encompassing 1.55 violent crimes and 5.79 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Erie as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Erie Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Erie has increased by 16.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Erie, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 19.1%, while property crime has increased by 16.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Erie is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Erie

Erie has a poverty rate that stands at 25.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Erie crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Erie, 80.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Erie, the cost of living is 14.36% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Erie crime map