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The 10 Safest Cities in Pennsylvania to Raise a Family in 2026

January 11, 2026 By

If you are looking for a place to put down roots in Pennsylvania, safety is likely your number one priority.

While major metros like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer culture and jobs, the latest data reveals that families are increasingly migrating to the “Township Belts”—suburban rings where violent crime is statistically non-existent and schools are top-tier.

According to the latest 2025 State of Safety report, which analyzes FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics, Pennsylvania’s safest communities are not just “low crime”—many of them reported zero burglaries or violent incidents over the last reporting period.

Here are the 10 safest cities and townships in Pennsylvania to raise a family in 2026.

1. Cecil Township (Washington County)

  • The Data: Ranked as the #1 Safest City in Pennsylvania by multiple watchdogs in 2025.
  • Why It Wins: Located just outside the Pittsburgh metro area, Cecil Township achieved a statistical miracle: it reported zero murders, rapes, or burglaries in the most recent data cycle. For parents, this peace of mind is unmatched.

2. Chesterbrook (Chester County)

  • The Data: Consistently ranked the #1 Place to Live in America by Niche.
  • Why It Wins: While Cecil takes the crown for raw safety stats, Chesterbrook wins on “Quality of Life.” It combines incredibly low crime rates with one of the best school districts in the nation (Tredyffrin-Easttown). It is the ultimate “wealth and safety” bubble for Philadelphia commuters.

3. Hampden Township (Cumberland County)

  • The Data: Violent crime rate of 0.3 per 1,000 residents (well below the national average of 4.0).
  • Why It Wins: Situated on the West Shore of Harrisburg, Hampden is the economic engine of the region. It offers a rare mix: low taxes, high safety, and immediate access to major highways (I-81 and Route 581) for commuters.

4. Collegeville (Montgomery County)

  • The Data: Violent crime rates are 10x lower than the Pennsylvania state average.
  • Why It Wins: This borough offers a walkable “Main Street” feel that many modern suburbs lack. It is home to Ursinus College, which adds a layer of campus security and community policing that benefits all residents.

5. Upper Allen Township (Cumberland County)

  • The Data: Property crime decreased for two consecutive years, landing it in the top 5 statewide.
  • Why It Wins: Another Mechanicsburg-area gem, Upper Allen is experiencing a housing boom because it is one of the few places where “affordable new construction” and “high safety” still overlap.

6. Pine Township (Allegheny County)

  • The Data: Crime rates are 75% below the statewide average.
  • Why It Wins: If you work in Pittsburgh but want to sleep with your windows open, this is the spot. Part of the famed “North Hills” suburbs, Pine Township is known for large lots and the high-performing Pine-Richland School District.

7. Lower Makefield (Bucks County)

  • The Data: Crime rates are 80% lower than the PA average.
  • Why It Wins: For commuters to Philadelphia (or even NYC), this is the gold standard. It is affluent, quiet, and borders the Delaware River. The police presence here is high, and response times are rapid.

8. Shaler Township (Allegheny County)

  • The Data: Ranked #5 safest by SafeWise, with significantly dropping property crime rates.
  • Why It Wins: Shaler is unique because it is an older, established suburb rather than a new development. It proves that you don’t need a gated community to be safe; you just need strong neighbors.

9. Dallas Township (Luzerne County)

  • The Data: Reported zero murders or motor vehicle thefts.
  • Why It Wins: The “Back Mountain” region of Northeast PA is often overlooked, but Dallas Township is a quiet fortress. It is the safest municipality in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor.

10. Franklin Park (Allegheny County)

  • The Data: A crime index of less than 1.0 per 1,000 residents.
  • Why It Wins: This borough prioritizes green space and parks, which correlates with lower crime. It is a “bedroom community” in the truest sense—quiet, residential, and incredibly secure.

⚠️ The “Danger Zones”: Intersections to Avoid

While the towns above are safe, Pennsylvania drivers face risks elsewhere. Recent data highlights these as the most dangerous intersections in the state for 2025/2026:

  • Philadelphia: Roosevelt Boulevard & Red Lion Road (Consistently ranked among the deadliest in the US).
  • Lancaster County: Lititz Road & Route 72 (High crash volume).
  • Montgomery County: The Route 611 corridor continues to see elevated accident rates.

Does your town make the list? Do you feel safe where you live, or are you planning a move in 2026? Tell us in the comments below!

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