When you think of North Philadelphia, you might immediately picture its reputation for crime. I get it — the headlines, the stats, and the stories can be overwhelming.
But is North Philly as dangerous as it seems, especially in 2024? In short – yes, it is, but some statistics are trending in the positive direction, so it’s not all grim.
There are details to it, and we will explore them today. Let’s get right into it.
The Crime Stats
Let’s not sugarcoat it: North Philly has its fair share of issues with crime. Data from the Philadelphia Police Department in 2024 paints a clear picture: certain neighborhoods like Strawberry Mansion, Harrowgate, Fairhill, and Hunting Park continue to see elevated crime rates.
These areas are known hotspots, and unfortunately, they’ve maintained that status for quite a while.
1. Strawberry Mansion – 1,944 per 100,000 People Crime Rate
Violent Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Strawberry Mansion is 10.41 per 1,000 residents per year, CrimeGrade statistics show. This includes:
- Assault: 7.042 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Robbery: 2.790 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Rape: 0.483 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Murder: 0.092 incidents per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Statistics
Statistics provided by CrimeGrade also show that the property crime rate stands at 17.90 per 1,000 residents annually, comprising:
- Theft: 8.131 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Vehicle Theft: 3.243 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Burglary: 6.410 incidents per 1,000 residents
- Arson: 0.115 incidents per 1,000 residents
Comparison to National Averages
Property Club reports that Strawberry Mansion’s crime rate is 161% higher than the national average, with violent crime being 420% higher.
Recent Crime Incidents
SpotCrime reports that recent incidents in the area include:
- Robbery on November 9, 2024, at N 19th St and W Girard Ave
- Assault on November 9, 2024, in the 2700 block of W Lehigh Ave
2. Harrowgate – 1,703 per 100,000 People Crime Rate
Overall Crime Rate
Harrowgate’s crime rate is 391% higher than the national average, as per AreaVibes.
Violent Crime
AreaVibes also reported that the violent crime rate in Harrowgate is 436% higher than the national average.
Property Crime
Statistics show that property crimes in Harrowgate are 383% higher than the national average.
Safety Comparison
CrimeGrade statistics also show that Harrowgate is in the 3rd percentile for safety, meaning 97% of neighborhoods are safer, and 3% are more dangerous.
3. Fairhill – 1,545 per 100,000 People Crime Rate
Violent Crime
According to CrimeGrade, the violent crime rate in Fairhill is 11.32 per 1,000 residents per year, indicating a higher prevalence of violent offenses compared to many other neighborhoods.
Property Crime
Statistics provided by CrimeGrade also show that property crimes, including theft, vehicle theft, and burglary, occur at a rate of 13.79 per 1,000 residents annually in Fairhill.
Comparison to National Averages
According to AreaVibes, Fairhill’s crime rates are significantly higher than national averages, with total crime rates approximately 380% above the national average.
4. Hunting Park – 1,452 per 100,000 People Crime Rate
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Here are the statistics provided by CrimeGrade:
Violent Crime
Violent crimes, including assault, robbery, rape, and murder, occur at a rate of 12.01 per 1,000 residents each year. This rate is significantly higher than the national average, contributing to the neighborhood’s overall safety concerns.
Property Crime
Property crimes, such as theft, vehicle theft, burglary, and arson, are reported at a rate of 17.39 per 1,000 residents annually. This indicates a higher-than-average risk of property-related offenses in the area.
Crime Distribution
The central part of Hunting Park is generally considered safer, with residents perceiving it as having lower crime rates compared to other sections of the neighborhood.
Comparison with Surrounding Areas
Why Are Crime Rates So High?
If you’re wondering why North Philly’s crime stats are so daunting, it boils down to a mix of economic struggles, lack of resources, and, frankly, historical neglect.
Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education play a massive role. When communities are starved for resources, people often turn to desperate measures.
Economic Struggles and Poverty
North Philadelphia has long faced significant economic challenges. According to JEVS Human Services, in 2019, Philadelphia’s poverty rate was 23.3%, making it the poorest large city in the United States.
This rate has remained relatively stable over the years, indicating persistent economic hardship. Specific neighborhoods within North Philadelphia, such as Fairhill, have even higher poverty rates.
Unemployment
Unemployment rates in North Philadelphia are notably higher than the citywide average. For instance, WHYY reported that in 2019, North Philadelphia had an employment rate of 43%, compared to the city’s 54%.
This disparity highlights the limited job opportunities available to residents.
Limited Access to Education
Educational attainment in North Philadelphia lags behind other areas. Schools in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods often face challenges such as underfunding and lower-quality resources, which can impede students’ academic progress and future employment prospects.
Historical Neglect
According to the Philadelphia Encyclopedia, the economic and social challenges in North Philadelphia are deeply rooted in historical neglect and systemic issues.
Deindustrialization, discriminatory housing policies, and inadequate public investment have contributed to the area’s current conditions.
Correlation Between Poverty and Crime
Research indicates a strong correlation between poverty and crime rates. In 2016, 76% of all violent crimes in Philadelphia occurred in areas with poverty rates of 20% or more.
This suggests that economic deprivation is a significant factor contributing to higher crime rates.
What’s Being Done to Make North Philly Safer?
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. The city, along with local organizations, has been working hard to make a difference. Change isn’t happening overnight, but efforts are in motion to address these problems.
City Initiatives
Philadelphia’s government, aware of the pressing need for reform, has rolled out several programs aimed at tackling crime and improving safety:
Neighborhood Resource Centers
Launched in October 2024, the Office of Public Safety opened reentry-focused centers to assist those coming out of prison, as per the Philadelphia Government.
These centers aim to provide support, helping folks reintegrate into society. The goal? Reduce recidivism and, hopefully, crime.
Police Recruitment Changes
The Philly Police Department has been grappling with a shortage of about 836 officers. To fix this, they’ve relaxed certain hiring standards in 2024, making it easier for new recruits to join the force, as per WHYY.
Lowering physical fitness requirements, along with easing rules on tattoos and prior drug use, reflects a broader trend seen in departments across the nation.
Community Heroes
On the ground, there are everyday heroes who are stepping up to make North Philly a safer place. One of the most inspiring figures is Nariah Anne Jewett, a 21-year-old criminal justice advocate.
As CBS reports, she’s been tirelessly working to keep young people out of the criminal justice system by providing mentorship, resources, and, more importantly, hope.
Her work focuses on empowering at-risk youth, guiding them toward better choices instead of a life of crime.
Community organizations, religious institutions, and local leaders are also banding together to create safe spaces for kids, offer job training programs, and bring a sense of stability to the area.
When you see this level of commitment from the community itself, it’s a sign that change is possible, even if it’s gradual.
What’s It Like to Live in North Philly Today?
So, what does all this mean for folks actually living in North Philly in 2024? The reality is mixed. Yes, crime is still a significant issue, especially in the hotspots we discussed earlier.
But, believe it or not, there are still pockets of North Philly where life feels normal, where neighbors look out for each other, and where community spirit is alive and well.
Safety Tips for Those in the Area
If you’re thinking about visiting or even living in North Philly, here’s some advice to help you stay safe:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: It sounds cliché, but it’s essential. Whether you’re walking around Strawberry Mansion or heading to a bodega in Fairhill, keeping your eyes open can make a world of difference.
- Travel in Groups: If you’re new to the area or exploring, go with a friend or two, especially at night. Strength in numbers is a real thing.
- Avoid Flashing Valuables: Like any city area with high crime rates, it’s best to avoid showing off expensive gadgets or jewelry.
- Get to Know the Community: If you live here, make friends with your neighbors. They can be your best resource for knowing which areas to avoid and when.
Methodology
- I started by analyzing up-to-date crime statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department to identify trends and pinpoint the most affected neighborhoods like Strawberry Mansion and Harrowgate. This gave me a clear understanding of the current crime landscape in 2024.
- I incorporated insights from real community initiatives, focusing on stories like Nariah Anne Jewett’s work with at-risk youth. I reached out to local sources to get firsthand accounts of efforts to improve safety in North Philly, bringing an authentic human element into the narrative.
- My goal was to go beyond the crime stats. By combining hard data with stories of community resilience and city-led initiatives, I aimed to present a well-rounded view, offering readers both the challenges and the positive strides being made.
Final Thoughts
Is North Philly dangerous in 2024? The honest answer is yes, parts of it are. But danger isn’t the whole story. It’s just one side of a complex, vibrant, and resilient community. The other side is filled with people trying their best to create a safer, better future.
If you’re curious about the area or considering spending time here, don’t let fear be your only guide. Yes, take precautions, but also take the time to see the positive efforts, the local heroes, and the genuine sense of community that’s fighting to turn things around.
After all, every city has its struggles, but North Philly’s story is still being written — and you never know, the next chapter might just surprise you.
References
- propertyclub.nyc – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
- spotcrime.com – Crime in Strawberry Mansion – Philadelphia, PA Crime Map
- areavibes.com – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Philadelphia, PA
- crimegrade.org – The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Philadelphia, PA
- jevshumanservices.org – Philly didn’t become America’s poorest big city by chance. Here’s how we fix it.
- philadelphiaencyclopedia.org – Poverty
- pewtrusts.org – Philadelphia’s Poor: Experiences From Below the Poverty Line
- phila.gov – Office of Public Safety Unveils Reentry Focused Neighborhood Resource Center
- whyy.org – Philly police face a hiring crisis. Some policies are being loosened to find more cadets
- cbsnews.com – Violent crime rates are declining in Philadelphia. Here’s why, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
