Pennsylvania may be the 11th safest state in the United States, but it also has some of the most dangerous cities in the country. While Philadelphia, the largest and most well-known city in PA, has its share of crime, it is not the most violent. In fact, many of the most violent cities in Pennsylvania are small, sparsely populated, and unassuming.
Based on FBI statistics, the most violent city in Pennsylvania is Darby, a town of about 10,667 people in Delaware County. Darby has a crime index of 4, which means it is safer than only 4% of other US cities. Darby residents face a 1 in 70 chance of experiencing a violent crime, such as assault, rape, robbery, or murder. Darby also has a high poverty rate of 28.2%, which is related to the crime rate.
What Makes Darby So Dangerous?
Darby is a town that has been struggling for a long time. It was once a thriving industrial hub, but it declined after the Great Depression and never recovered. Darby has been plagued by unemployment, poverty, drugs, gangs, and corruption. Many of the buildings and infrastructure are dilapidated and neglected. Darby also suffers from a lack of resources and services, such as police, education, health care, and recreation.
Darby’s crime problem is not new. In 2015, Darby was ranked as the second most dangerous city in Pennsylvania, behind only Chester. In 2018, Darby was named as one of the 100 most dangerous cities in America. In 2020, Darby had 152 reported violent crimes, including 3 murders, 15 rapes, 46 robberies, and 88 assaults. Darby also had 328 property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft.
What Is Being Done to Improve Darby’s Safety?
Despite the grim situation, Darby is not hopeless. There are some efforts being made to improve the town’s safety and quality of life. For example, in 2019, Darby received a $1 million grant from the state to revitalize its downtown area and attract new businesses and residents. Darby also partnered with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office to launch a crime prevention initiative called Operation Safe Streets, which aims to reduce violence and drug trafficking in the town.
Additionally, there are some community organizations and groups that are working to make a positive difference in Darby. For instance, the Darby Borough Community Development Corporation (DBCDC) is a nonprofit that provides various programs and services to Darby residents, such as youth mentoring, senior care, food pantry, and housing assistance. The DBCDC also organizes events and activities to promote civic engagement and social cohesion in the town.
Conclusion
Darby is a town that has a lot of challenges and risks, but also some potential and opportunities. Darby is the most violent city in Pennsylvania, but it is not the only one. There are other cities in the state that have high crime rates and need attention and support. By addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, education, and health, Darby and other cities in Pennsylvania can become safer and better places to live.