Discover the Top 5 Most Dangerous Places in Pennsylvania You Should Avoid

Pennsylvania’s rich history and various landscapes create a tapestry of places to call home. However, not all areas of the Keystone State shine equally brightly. As potential inhabitants search for their ideal sanctuary, it’s critical to go beyond the postcard-perfect settings and examine less attractive locations.

From economic difficulties to safety worries and quality of life issues, many areas of Pennsylvania provide hurdles that may prevent even the most adventurous travelers. In this investigation of the top seven worst locations to live in Pennsylvania, we look at the variables that shape these communities, providing insight into where caution may be required.

1. McKeesport

• Population: 17,749
• Average home price is $82,277.
• Median income is $31,635.
• Unemployment rate: 7.8 percent
• Crime per capita: 0.0606.

McKeesport, located approximately 12 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, is a decrepit and partly abandoned city. Do not confuse it with McKees ROCKS, another awful area west of Pittsburgh that deserves an honorable mention as a place to avoid moving to. McKeesport lacks proper housing, with most buildings serving as crack dens or being vacant. There’s a reason they named it Disease Port.

Homes are the seventh cheapest in the state, with prices starting at $82,277; nevertheless, in some of these streets, you may offer $4,000 and be taken seriously. There are housing complexes everywhere, and ‘downtown’, if you can call it that, lacks anything appealing to most individuals seeking a good quality of life. Even primary schools have metal detectors.

And if you dislike gangs, you won’t enjoy McKeesport. That’s because there are competing gangs here. It’s quite poor, and there are very few prospects for employment. The drive to Pittsburgh is gloomy, sad, and depressing.

2. Clairton

• Population: 6,182 Average home price: $135,357.
• Median income: $41,301.
• Unemployment rate: 10.6 percent
• Crime per capita: 0.0606.

Clairton briefly rose to prominence in Hollywood during the 1970s. It was the hometown of the characters in the 1978 Best Picture Oscar-winning film The Deer Hunter. Nowadays, the community is well-known for a far less spectacular reason: it is one of Pennsylvania’s worst places to live. The 6,182 residents face a difficult economic situation, with a 10.6% unemployment rate and a median income of $41,301. Crime rates are slightly higher than the national average.

Clairton, located a half-hour southeast of Pittsburgh, has several advantages. For example, homeowners can visit the adjacent Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area.

3. Duquesne

• The population is 5,241
• Average home price of $46,621.
• Median income: $40,969.
• Unemployment rate: 7.8 percent
• Crime per capita: 0.0606.

Duquesne, located on the west bank of the Monongahela River, is a Pittsburgh suburb. A 20-minute drive will get you to the city core. Access to a major metropolitan area is one of the town’s main draws.

Unfortunately, there are more forces at play. Despite its handy location, the community has been ranked as the third worst in Pennsylvania.

The 5,241 citizens of Duquesne must deal with a bad economy, a high crime rate, and mediocre schooling. The unemployment rate is 7.8%, with 25.8% of people living below the poverty line.

4. Darby

• Population: 10,682.
• Average home price is $109,626.
• Median income is $45,511.
• Unemployment rate: 13.9%.
• Crime per capita: 0.1069.

Darby is a suburb of Philadelphia, roughly 20 minutes southwest of the city center. Easy access to one of the region’s major cultural destinations hasn’t done much for this hamlet of 10,682 people. It is regarded as one of the worst locations to live in all of Pennsylvania.

Economic problems weigh heavily on the population. The unemployment rate is 13.9%, with the median income at $45,511. This dire financial condition creates additional obstacles. The crime rate is approximately 90% higher than the U.S. norm.

Darby, too, contains flashes of delight. For example, residents can go to Bartram Park for a nice hike.

5. Collingdale

• Population: 8,865.
• Average home price is $186,243.
• Median income is $49,819.
• Unemployment rate: 8.6%.
• Crime per capita: 0.1069.

Collingdale, a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is regrettably listed among the worst locations to live in the state. While there is room for progress, Collingdale now confronts several issues that make it an unappealing location to live. One of the main worries is the high crime rate, with figures indicating an increase in both violent and property offenses.

This presents serious safety dangers to the community. Furthermore, Collingdale faces economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment, resulting in a lower median income and fewer possibilities for people. However, with concerted efforts and community involvement, Collingdale may overcome these challenges and move toward a brighter future.

6. Folcroft

• Population: 6,758 Average house price: $198,500
• Median income: $56,650.
• Unemployment rate: 10.2%
• Crime per capita: 0.1069.

Folcroft, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has the bad reputation of being one of the worst locations to live in the state. The borough’s high crime rate and safety concerns make it a tough place to live. Although Folcroft has a population of 6,738, its citizens endure serious crime problems.

With insufficient data on specific crime figures, it is critical to identify Folcroft’s issues with violence and property offenses. However, it is crucial to emphasize that with coordinated efforts and community involvement, this condition can be improved. Despite its limitations, Folcroft’s location in Delaware County provides opportunities for future expansion and regeneration.

7. McKees Rocks

• Population: 5,893.
• Average home price is $170,773.
• Median income: $33,958.
• Unemployment rate: 15.5%.
• Crime per capita: 0.0606.

McKees Rocks is located along the Ohio River, roughly ten minutes from Pittsburgh’s core. The area once thrived due to the strong steel and railroad businesses. These continued to fade in the second half of the twentieth century, and the town is currently ranked as the tenth worst region in Pennsylvania.

McKees Rocks is a tough neighborhood in terms of housing, jobs, and safety. The unemployment rate is 15.5%, while the community has a 32.6% poverty rate. Meanwhile, the crime rate is around 160% higher than the national average.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pennsylvania’s unique tapestry of history and landscapes provides a varied range of places to live. However, not all areas shine as brightly, and some face severe obstacles that may dissuade potential residents.

Several Pennsylvania regions create challenges for inhabitants, ranging from economic hardships to safety concerns and quality of life issues. In this look at the top seven worst locations to live in the state, we’ve shed light on the characteristics that shape these communities, providing useful insight into where caution is necessary.