Delaware County Crime & Safety

Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Safety Score

54/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1043.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

143.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

900.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

54/100

Higher = safer

State avg 62/100

State Safety Rank

#51

of 67 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Delaware County remains safer than most of the US

Delaware County reports a total crime rate of 1,043.4 per 100,000, significantly better than the national rate of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.4. Fifty-one reporting agencies contribute to this high-detail look at local public safety.

Close to the Pennsylvania safety average

Delaware County's safety score of 98.4 is just a fraction below the state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,043.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 932.4. Despite being a densely populated area, it maintains a strong safety profile for its residents.

Comparing safety in suburban Philadelphia

Delaware County has a higher crime rate at 1,043.4 than inland counties like Cumberland at 827.5 or Dauphin at 952.8. This difference is expected given the higher population density and proximity to Philadelphia. It remains an exceptionally safe suburban environment compared to other major metro areas.

Violent crime remains low in Delaware County

The violent crime rate sits at 143.2 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary concern, occurring at a rate of 900.2 per 100,000. These figures show that while people are generally safe, property requires more attention.

Enhancing security for suburban homes

With property crime as the main statistical outlier, homeowners should invest in reliable security measures like alarms and cameras. Keeping property well-lit and securing vehicles can prevent most local crime incidents. Active participation in local safety programs keeps neighborhoods secure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Delaware County, PA?

Delaware County has a total crime rate of 1043.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (143.2 per 100K) and property crimes (900.2 per 100K).

Is Delaware County, PA safe?

Delaware County has a safety score of 54/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #51 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania for safety (1 = safest).

How does Delaware County crime compare to the Pennsylvania average?

What types of crime are most common in Delaware County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Delaware County?

Crime data for Delaware County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Delaware County?

Delaware County has a safety score of 54/100, which is below the Pennsylvania average of 62/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.