Delaware County, commonly referred to as Delco, has two cities that have been ranked among the most dangerous in the United States.
According to a list by the National Council for Home Safety and Security, Darby Borough and Chester City are two of the most dangerous cities in the nation, based on data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting database.
This ranking is specifically concerning the rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people, using data from 2010 to 2014, which were the most recent years available at the time of the ranking.
Darby Borough holds the dubious distinction of being the second most dangerous city in the United States. With a population of about 11,000 people, Darby Borough experiences a staggering rate of 3,617 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the national average and underscores the severe nature of crime in this area.
Chester City, with a population of approximately 34,000 people, is ranked as the 14th most dangerous city in the nation. Chester City experiences around 1,810 violent crimes per 100,000 people. While this rate is lower than that of Darby Borough, it is still alarmingly high, especially when compared to national statistics.
For a more recent perspective, in 2023, the violent crime rate in Darby, PA is 18.1, and in Chester, PA, it’s 81.3, with the crime indices ranging from 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime). These numbers are based on FBI data and provide a contemporary view of the crime situation in these cities.
The property crime rate in Darby, PA is 37.9, and in Chester, PA, it’s 46.8. These figures represent the property crime levels in these cities, including offenses like burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
These statistics paint a concerning picture of the safety challenges faced in Darby Borough and Chester City. The high rates of violent and property crime in these cities reflect deep-rooted issues that require comprehensive strategies to address.
Efforts to combat crime in these areas would need to address various factors, including economic, social, and law enforcement aspects, to create a safer environment for residents.