York, PA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in York, PA

The York crime rates are 40.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 319 violent crimes in York (710 per 100,000 people), which is 92.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1149 property crimes (2559 per 100,000 residents) which is 30.9% higher than average.

With a violent crime rate of 710 crimes per 100,000 residents, York is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, York ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, York ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In York, there were a total of 15 murders, translating to 33 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and York is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, York reported a total of 195 vehicle thefts, resulting in 434 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 231, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in York?

What is the prevailing sentiment among York residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 123 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 15% of York 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, 85% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is York a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether York 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, York has an overall crime rate that is 41% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.02 daily occurrences, comprising 0.87 violent crimes and 3.15 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of York as a potential place to establish residency.

Potential Causes for Crime in York

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In York, 71.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

In York, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.68 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In York, the median home price stands at $77,100, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

York crime map