Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern United States that is well-known for its colorful past, varied culture, and stunning scenery. Even with these advantages, safety and peace of mind are not guaranteed in every city in the state.
Chester, a little community tucked away along the Delaware River with around 34,000 residents, has the highest murder rate in Pennsylvania, according to the most recent FBI crime data.
Chester is ranked in the top 10 cities in the country for the highest murder rates, according to this unsettling data. Situated about fifteen miles south of Philadelphia lies the city.
Statistics and Murder Rate
The formula to calculate the murder rate is to take the total number of murders, divide it by the population, and then multiply the result by 100,000. By offering a uniform statistic, this approach makes it possible to compare different states and cities fairly.
The FBI reports that Chester had 27 homicides in 2020, for a 79.4% murder rate. This number is nearly four times higher than the state average of 18.1 and over fifteen times higher than the national average of 5.0.
Furthermore, with 2,010.9 and 4,424.4 violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, respectively, Chester recorded the highest rates of both in Pennsylvania.
Read More: This City in Pennsylvania is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
Comparison of Chester With Other US Cities
Chester is one of the most dangerous cities in the US, according to FBI crime statistics. With 79.4 homicides per 100,000 residents, it is the state with the tenth highest murder rate in the country. This rate is higher than that of notoriously violent places like St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore.
With 2,010.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Chester has the fourth-highest violent crime rate in the country. This figure includes a variety of crimes, such as aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
With 4,424.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents, Chester also has the 12th-highest property crime rate in the country. The city faces many hazards and problems, which emphasizes how urgently it must pay attention to and take action to improve safety and security.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Alabama
Reasons and Effects
Chester has high rates of violence and murder because to a variety of causes, such as poverty, unemployment, a lack of educational options, drug abuse, gang activity, and easy access to firearms.
Chester’s poverty rate in 2019 was 33.9%, which was higher than the state and national rates of 12.5% and 10.5%, respectively, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The city’s unemployment rate in 2020 was 11.9%, higher than the 8.1% state and 6.7% federal norms, respectively.
Adults’ level of education was particularly low, with only 10.9% having a bachelor’s degree or above and only 75.9% having a high school diploma.
The city struggled with a serious drug problem, acting as a crossroads for the trafficking of heroin and fentanyl, which resulted in an increase in overdoses. Gang warfare was rife, with competing factions fighting for dominance over the drug trade and territory.
The gun problem was made worse by the widespread availability of illicit firearms and the inadequate enforcement of gun laws.
Chester’s increased murder and crime rates have serious consequences for both locals and the community at large. In addition to witnesses and bystanders who live in perpetual terror and anguish, victims and their family also face financial, mental, and physical struggle.
Offenders face social and legal repercussions, and the city’s brand is tarnished, discouraging businesses and tourists. The cycle of violence and poverty is sustained and made worse by the strain and overload on resources and services.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Tennessee
To Conclude
Due to the startlingly high rates of both murder and general crime, Chester has the regrettable distinction of being known as Pennsylvania’s “murder capital.” This problem has many different and complex sources, as well as serious and pervasive effects.
To tackle this issue, a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving several sectors and stakeholders is required, requiring a long-term, consistent commitment. Chester is a city in need of support and hope, one that deserves a chance at development and success.