Most Dangerous Areas in and Around Philadelphia

Every city has neighborhoods that face more challenges when it comes to crime, and Philadelphia is no exception. With a population of over 1.5 million and a diverse mix of communities, certain areas consistently report higher levels of violent and property crime.

If you’re new to the city or considering a move, knowing where crime is most concentrated can help you make informed decisions and take proactive safety measures. This guide looks at the parts of Philadelphia that experience the most reported incidents, and how residents can stay safe and vigilant.

Related: Philadelphia Crime Rate Statistics

How We Identified High-Crime Areas in Philly 

We used public crime data from the Philadelphia Police Department, FBI Crime Data Explorer, and independent resources like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. Rankings are based primarily on violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and property crimes (such as burglary, theft, and car break-ins).

Some high-crime areas are influenced by population density, nightlife, or commercial zoning, so context matters. Not every block within these neighborhoods is dangerous, and many residents are working hard to improve safety and community engagement.

Philadelphia Areas with the Highest Crime Rates

Kensington

Kensington consistently ranks among the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Philadelphia. The area struggles with open-air drug activity and a high number of reported assaults and robberies. While community organizations are working to turn things around, public safety remains a concern in parts of this neighborhood.

Allegheny West

Located in North Philadelphia, Allegheny West reports elevated levels of violent crime, including gun violence and aggravated assault. Vacant properties and underfunded infrastructure contribute to ongoing safety issues.

You Might Also Like: The Safest Areas in Philadelphia

Tioga-Nicetown

Though residents have pushed back against its reputation, Tioga-Nicetown still sees higher-than-average crime reports. Burglaries, thefts, and violent crime remain concerns. Community improvement efforts are ongoing, but progress is uneven across the neighborhood.

Hunting Park

This area experiences regular reports of robbery, assault, and vandalism. Public parks and transportation hubs sometimes see spikes in crime, particularly in the evenings. Several neighborhood watch groups have formed in response.

Strawberry Mansion

Strawberry Mansion sits near Fairmount Park and has seen revitalization attempts in recent years. However, parts of the neighborhood continue to struggle with gun violence and break-ins, especially in blocks with lower homeownership.

Southwest Philadelphia (select sections)

Southwest Philly is a broad region, and while some blocks are quiet and residential, others report frequent property crime, auto theft, and burglary. Crime rates vary widely from street to street.

Common Types of Crime in These Areas

• Assault and robbery, particularly in areas with limited lighting or police presence
  
• Car break-ins and theft, especially near public transit or in isolated parking lots
  
• Home burglaries, often in properties without security systems
  
• Drug-related activity, which can increase violent crime risks in some neighborhoods

Crime Doesn’t Define a Neighborhood

While these areas have higher crime stats, many residents are working hard to improve their communities. In fact:

• Numerous blocks have active neighborhood watch programs
  
• Local organizations are funding cleanup, education, and outreach initiatives
  
• Crime is often concentrated in a small number of problem properties or intersections
  
• Police-community collaboration is growing in several districts

Being informed doesn’t mean avoiding these areas entirely; it means understanding how to stay aware and protect yourself.

How to Stay Safe in Any Philadelphia Neighborhood

Regardless of where you live, these steps can help reduce your personal risk:

• Use video doorbells and outdoor cameras to deter break-ins
  
• Lock doors and windows even when you’re home
  
• Park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables visible in your car
  
• Use Nextdoor to monitor neighborhood alerts
  
• Report issues or damage through Phila 311
  
• Join or support a Neighborhood Watch near you

For You: Neighborhood Watch in Philadelphia: How to Get Involved 

How Guardian Protection Can Help

In neighborhoods with more reported incidents, it’s smart to layer in extra protection. Guardian Protection offers professionally monitored security systems that can help detect threats early and keep your home connected to emergency response services.

Our home security systems feature:

• Indoor and outdoor security cameras
  
• Window and door sensors
  
• Motion detectors
  
• 24/7 professional monitoring
  
• Mobile alerts and control panel access

Whether you’re in Kensington or Allegheny West, our systems are built to match the needs of your home and neighborhood, giving Philadelphia residents reliable protection and peace of mind.

Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Philadelphia

Building Peace of Mind at Home

Even in neighborhoods working to improve safety, adding professional security is a smart investment. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that integrate seamlessly into homes of every size, providing protection for you, your family, and your property.

Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 to learn more.