Chester, a city in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has been named the most dangerous city in the state, according to a report by Home Security Shield. The ranking is based on data released annually by the FBI, and it only includes cities with a population of over 5,000. Chester’s population is 34,239, and the city has a violent crime rate of 21.03 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 35.14 per 1,000 residents.
Violent Crimes in Chester
The violent crime rate in Chester is alarmingly high, with a total of 56.16 reported crimes per 1,000 residents. The city has a murder rate of 53.1 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.1 per 100,000 residents.
The city also has a high rate of assault, with 825.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 282.7 per 100,000 residents. Rape and robbery rates are also higher in Chester than the national average.
Property Crimes in Chester
The property crime rate in Chester is also high, with a total of 35.14 reported crimes per 1,000 residents. The city has a burglary rate of 500.1 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 749.2 per 100,000 residents.
The theft rate in Chester is 2,042.8 per 100,000 residents, which is also higher than the national average of 1,760.8 per 100,000 residents. Motor vehicle theft is also a problem in Chester, with a rate of 284 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 495.5 per 100,000 residents.
Chester’s Social and Economic Challenges
The high crime rate in Chester is not a surprise, given the city’s social and economic challenges. Chester is a low-income city with many old houses and low rents. The city has a history of government investment in infrastructure, but it has not been successful in improving the quality of life for residents.
The city has also been affected by the closure of the Sun Hotel and the relocation of the Indian burial grounds, which has led to the construction of a prison and a casino. The lack of investment in education, housing, and supermarkets has contributed to the city’s decline.
Efforts to Reduce Crime in Chester
Despite the high crime rate, there are efforts to reduce crime in Chester. The Safer Schools Stronger Neighborhoods coalition, which is focused on preventing, intervening, and responding to gun and group violence among those between 11- and 24-years-old in the city, has been successful in reducing firearms homicides by nearly 70% from 2020.
The Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods, which was established in 2021, has helped 66 people in Chester find a new way to a new life through job training and placement, transportation, and other forms of support. The partnership has also engaged residents through programs like Biddy Ball sports camps, cleaning up illegal dumping, and launching a financial literacy program at the county jail.
Conclusion
Chester, PA, is the #1 dangerous city in Pennsylvania, with a high rate of violent and property crimes. The city’s social and economic challenges have contributed to its decline, but there are efforts to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents.
The Safer Schools Stronger Neighborhoods coalition and the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods are working to prevent, intervene, and respond to gun and group violence and provide support to those in need. While there is still much work to be done, these efforts are a step in the right direction towards making Chester a safer and more prosperous city.