Wilkes-Barre, PA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Wilkes-Barre is 13.6% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 177 violent crimes reported in Wilkes-Barre, equivalent to 398 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 7.6%. Additionally, Wilkes-Barre recorded 717 property crimes, amounting to 1611 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 17.6%.

Wilkes-Barre exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 398 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 370. This uniformity underscores Wilkes-Barre as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wilkes-Barre?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Wilkes-Barre residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 69 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 23% of Wilkes-Barre 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, 77% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Wilkes-Barre a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Wilkes-Barre is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Wilkes-Barre has an overall crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.45 daily occurrences, comprising 0.48 violent crimes and 1.96 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Wilkes-Barre as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Wilkes-Barre Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Wilkes-Barre. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Wilkes-Barre has decreased by 18.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 26.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 15.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre has a poverty rate that stands at 23.3, 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 Wilkes-Barre 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.

In Wilkes-Barre, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Wilkes-Barre crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Wilkes-Barre, the average rental rates are $757 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Wilkes-Barre crime map