Safest Cities & Towns in Pennsylvania 2025 (Ranked Guide)
July 30, 2025
4 minutes
If you’ve ever wondered “is Lewisburg PA safe?”, “safest towns in Pennsylvania”, or “where is the best place to live in PA for families” you’re not alone. Safety is now the #1 concern for Pennsylvanians relocating in 2025.
The good news? There are towns across Pennsylvania with near-zero violent crime rates, top-rated schools, and weather resilience that could save you thousands in insurance and peace of mind.
In this guide, we ranked the safest cities and towns in PA using:
✅ Verified 2025 FBI + local crime reports
✅ Emergency readiness (weather + response time)
✅ School ratings + walkability
✅ Search demand from real people like you
Whether you're raising a family, retiring, or just want a ZIP code where you can walk at night without fear—this is your no-fluff, high-trust safety guide.
Pennsylvania’s 8 Safest Cities & Towns (2025 Crime, Livability, & Family Ratings)
Wondering which town actually feels safe—not just statistically? Below are the top-ranked Pennsylvania cities and small towns in 2025 that combine low crime, strong community policing, emergency prep, and family-friendly lifestyles.
These aren't just numbers — they're peace-of-mind zones, confirmed by FBI data and resident satisfaction.
City/Town | Violent Crime (per 1,000) | Property Crime (per 1,000) | What Makes It One of the Safest Places in PA |
---|---|---|---|
Lewisburg | 0.45 | 3.25 | Tight-knit community, top schools, fast emergency response |
State College | 0.57 | 2.88 | Walkable, college town with strong safety patrol |
Lower Makefield | 0.38 | 3.10 | Family-heavy suburb, close to Philly, low crime |
Upper St. Clair | 0.31 | 4.02 | Best suburb near Pittsburgh, school safety leadership |
Carlisle | 1.92 | 13.38 | Central PA location, strong storm-readiness & police funding |
Altoona | 2.85 | 18.25 | Mountain shield, emergency upgrades, aging-friendly zone |
Allentown | 2.88 | 17.87 | Dense but organized, advanced public safety programs |
Milford | ~1.25 | ~10.5 | Scenic, walkable town, rising on relocation maps in 2025 |
Is It Better to Live in a City or Small Town in Pennsylvania for Safety?
Small towns generally offer a safer, quieter lifestyle—but not always.
Here’s how they compare:
Factor | Small Towns (e.g., Lewisburg) | Cities (e.g., Pittsburgh) |
---|---|---|
Crime Rate | Typically lower | Varies—some suburbs are very safe |
Emergency Response | Faster in smaller communities | Dependent on infrastructure |
Cost of Living | Often more affordable | Higher, especially near metros |
Community Policing | Stronger engagement | Mixed—better in planned neighborhoods |
Pros and Cons of Living in Pennsylvania’s Safest Cities
Pros:
- Low violent crime rates
- Active community policing
- Strong emergency planning
- Great for families and retirees
Cons:
- Some towns may lack nightlife or job variety
- Housing demand is high in top-rated safe areas
Local Insight:
ZIP codes like 17837 (Lewisburg) or 19067 (Lower Makefield) are trending for low-crime relocations in 2025.
Safest Places to Live in Pennsylvania (2025 Breakdown)
Lewisburg, State College, Lower Makefield, and Upper St. Clair are Pennsylvania’s safest cities—low crime, strong schools, and tight-knit communities.
1. Is Lewisburg the Safest City in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Lewisburg tops the charts in 2025 for family safety and peace of mind.
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.45 per 1,000
- Property Crime Rate: 3.25 per 1,000
- Why It Ranks #1: Strong community policing, walkable downtown, close-knit vibe
Lewisburg isn’t just statistically safe—it feels safe. With quick police response and vibrant community life, it’s ideal for young families and retirees alike.
2. Is State College a Safe Place to Raise a Family?
Absolutely — and it’s more than just a college town.
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.57
- Property Crime Rate: 2.88
- Why Families Love It: Excellent schools, proactive police, scenic parks
State College offers one of the safest, most balanced lifestyles in PA. Whether you’re relocating for work or family, it combines low crime with big-town convenience.
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3. Is Lower Makefield Township Safe for Commuters?
Yes — especially for families commuting to Philadelphia.
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.38
- Property Crime Rate: 3.10
- Safety Drivers: Suburban calm, community policing, high homeownership
Located in Bucks County, this town offers security with suburban perks—making it a commuter’s dream.
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4. Why Is Upper St. Clair a Top-Rated Safe Suburb?
Because it blends Pittsburgh access with elite safety scores.
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.31
- Property Crime Rate: 4.02
- What Sets It Apart: Neighborhood watch culture, family-centered planning
With top-ranked schools and low crime, this suburb is perfect for long-term living.
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Which Pennsylvania Towns Are Safest During Severe Weather?
If storms worry you, look inland — Harrisburg, Carlisle, Altoona, and Allentown are best-prepared for extreme weather.
5. Harrisburg: Winter-Ready but Urban-Crime Risk
- Violent Crime Rate: 10.72
- Property Crime Rate: 20.52
- Best For: Storm safety, not crime rates
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6. Carlisle: Emergency-Ready Central Town
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.92
- Property Crime Rate: 13.38
- Highlight: Strong infrastructure, fast response systems
👉 Looking for storm-ready living? Affordable cities in Colorado may surprise you
7. Altoona: Mountain Shield from Weather
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.85
- Property Crime Rate: 18.25
- Weather Edge: Naturally protected, less flooding
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8. Allentown: Emergency Systems but Urban Safety Tradeoff
- Violent Crime Rate: 2.88
- Property Crime Rate: 17.87
- Strengths: Public safety programs, good storm prep
👉 Curious about city safety trends? See safest places in Illinois
Is Pennsylvania Safe in 2025?
Yes — but ZIP code matters.
- Statewide Violent Crime: 3.1 per 1,000 (below U.S. average)
- Best ZIPs for Safety: 17837 (Lewisburg), 19067 (Lower Makefield)
👉 Want coastal safety too? Explore safest towns in Virginia
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FAQs
1. What are the safest towns in Pennsylvania in 2025?
Lewisburg, State College, and Lower Makefield lead the list of safest towns in Pennsylvania in 2025, with violent crime rates under 0.6 per 1,000 residents. These towns also rank high for school quality, walkability, and community response systems.
2. Is Lewisburg, PA a safe place to live?
Yes. Lewisburg consistently ranks as one of the safest small towns in Pennsylvania. With its low violent crime rate (0.45 per 1,000), strong neighborhood watch culture, and highly-rated schools, it's ideal for families, students, and retirees.
3. Is State College a good place for families who want safety?
Absolutely. State College offers low crime rates, strong emergency services, and one of the best school systems in the state — making it a top choice for families relocating to central Pennsylvania in 2025.
4. What are the safest suburbs of Philadelphia in 2025?
Lower Makefield, Feasterville, and Upper Dublin are considered among the safest Philly suburbs. These areas combine low crime with high homeownership rates, making them ideal for commuters and families alike.
5. How safe is Harrisburg, PA to live in right now?
Harrisburg has higher urban crime rates (10.72 violent crimes per 1,000), but it's also one of the most storm-ready cities in Pennsylvania. For families prioritizing emergency readiness and affordability over ultra-low crime, it's a viable option.
6. What’s the safest place to live near Pittsburgh in 2025?
Upper St. Clair and Franklin Park stand out as two of the safest areas near Pittsburgh. Both offer strong community safety programs and some of the lowest crime rates in western Pennsylvania.
7. Are there any Pennsylvania towns safe from tornadoes and natural disasters?
Yes — towns like Carlisle, Altoona, and Lewisburg are inland, elevated, and less prone to tornadoes or flooding. They’re considered some of the best-prepared towns for severe weather in PA.
8. What are the best places to live in Pennsylvania for families in 2025?
Lewisburg, State College, Lower Makefield, and Milford are top-rated for safety, school quality, and overall livability. These towns attract families looking for low crime, green space, and a strong sense of community.
9. Is Milford, PA a safe town to move to?
Yes. Milford is emerging as a low-crime relocation hotspot, especially for retirees and remote workers. It has low property crime, walkable streets, and a peaceful, nature-rich setting.
10. What ZIP codes in Pennsylvania are considered safest in 2025?
ZIP codes like 17837 (Lewisburg), 16801 (State College), and 19067 (Lower Makefield) are among the safest in the state, based on a mix of low crime, emergency readiness, and strong community feedback.
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