Speaking of Philadelphia, you may think of its historical heritage, the Declaration of Independence, diverse culture, etc. that attract many people to visit and settle. However, is Philly a livable city? In this blog, we’ll tell you the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and why they are the worst. After reading this blog, you can decide whether to move to Philadelphia. Let’s dive in!
Top 12 Worst Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
As a vibrant city full of history, Philadelphia is a sought-after touring destination for many people. However, while people enjoy the bustling and diverse culture in the tourist and central city area, there are some dark, dangerous areas hidden in the west, north, and northeast parts of Philly. Below, we have listed the top 12 worst neighborhoods in Philly to show you the real life in Philadelphia.
1. Tioga-Nicetown
Population: 17,382
| Tioga-Nicetown /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 12,752 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,894 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 9,858 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
With a population over 17,000, Tioga-Nicetown, is ranked first as the worst part of Philly. Located in the northern part of Philly, Tioga-Nicetown’s soaring crime rates decrease the number of residents. Many people avoid living in this area due to the obvious unsafe living environment and turbulent community. The crime rate in this small neighborhood can be over 320% higher than the national average. Whether you are living or visiting, you should be cautious in this area.
2. Allegheny West
Population: 18,676
| Allegheny West /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 10,842 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,695 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 8,147 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Allegheny West is another one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The reports of robberies, assaults, burglaries, etc. are pretty common in this neighborhood. If you are living here or planning to, think twice before moving here.
3. North Central Philadelphia
Population: 14,299
| North Central /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 5,846 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 952 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 4,894 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Despite its proximity to Temple University, North Central Philadelphia is still one of the worst Philly neighborhoods. You may frequently experience crimes like theft, burglary, and other violent crimes. It’s unsafe to stay in this area, whether you are studying or living. Despite the efforts’ of police, the crime rate still reaches as high as 8.2% (82 per 1000 residents).
4. Strawberry Mansion
Population: 13,933
| Strawberry Mansion /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 11,506 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 3,012 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 8,494 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
The name, Strawberry Mansion, displays no other than its glorious past, which used to be one of the wealthiest areas in Philadelphia, there are still many old, stately mansions in this part. However, it has become one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia nowadays. The reason behind this change is the oversight of city officials and law enforcement in this area. And now there are more and more crimes happening here.
5. Harrowgate
Population: 16,098
| Harrowgate /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 9,716 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,022 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 7,694 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Harrowgate is one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia due to its ongoing drug problem. Apart from the drug problem, the incidental situations like theft and prostitution are increasing here. Located near Kensington, this place is not only one of the worst, but also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
6. Fairhill
Population: 4,405
| Fairhill /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 9,663 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violet Crime | 1,573 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 8,091 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Fairhill is one of the worst Philly neighborhoods, largely because of the poverty. It’s also one of the poorest areas in Philadelphia. Due to destitution, many people make a living by drug dealing, committing a crime, robbing, etc.
7. Hunting Park
Population: 17,642
| Hunting Park /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 7,869 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,052 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 5,817 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Located in northern Philly, Hunting Park is considered one of the worst areas of Philadelphia for frequent vehicle break-ins. Most of the complaints from residents are related to cars break-ins. The noise and vehicle usage are also complained about by residents. Another shocking fact about this area is that there are a pretty large number of street gangs, like Latin Kings and Black Mafia.
8. Frankford
Population: 23,989
| Frankford /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 12,258 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,489 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 9,769 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
If Frankford can’t top the worst part of Philly, I have no idea what else can be on the list. Sit right next to Kensington, shootings, muggings, and prostitution happen every day in Frankford. It’s unsafe to live, visit or even just pass by. The overall crime rate is 132% higher than the national average.
9. Haddington Carroll Park
Population: 35,068
| Haddington-Carroll Park /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 7,659 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 1,742 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 5,917 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Located in western Philadelphia, Haddington-Carroll Park is another one of the worst areas of Philadelphia. Assault, theft, burglary, homicide, etc. happen every day, and experts discover that the serious crime problem stems from unemployment. Without a job and income, people have no choice but resort to theft, robbery, or even dealing drugs. The sad truth also illustrates the poor employment conditions and inadequate regulations and policies in this area.
10. Elmwood
Population: 15,688
| Elmwood /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 11,263 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 2,116 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 9,147 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
Elmwood has a large Catholic presence, however, that doesn’t alleviate the crime rate here. The violent crime and property crime reported annually, vehicle break-ins are also common in here, making it one of the worst parts of Philly.
11. Kensington
Population: 24,869
| Kensington /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 8,543 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 876 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 7,667 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
As one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Kensington is broadly considered the center and source of drug dealing and other crime, and has inextricable responsibility for the spread of crime and drugs to the neighboring areas. It has also been renowned as an open-air drug market. And there are no practical and effective management systems in this place.
12. Germantown
Population: 66,915
| Germantown /per 100k People |
Philadelphia /per 100k People |
National /per 100k People |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime | 7,566 | 6,040 | 2,281 |
| Violent Crime | 1,641 | 983 | 364 |
| Property Crime | 5,925 | 5,057 | 1,917 |
The continued outbreaks of violence and shooting, make it one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Assaults happen the most in this area. While walking by may be safe during the daytime, women are not recommended to pass by alone.
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Conclusion
Philadelphia is a city full of historical charm and unresolved social crime problems, drug problems. While the west, north and northeast regions are generally considered to have the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia, tourist areas and the central city are comparatively safer for traveling and living. Having a safe living place is important, if you want to secure a place in Philly, consider the tourist, center parts, and northwest part.
FAQs:
The Northwest, the downtown city, and areas around major universities are the safest regions compared with other high-crime-rate areas. These areas are popular hubs for tourists and students, and have police petrol, adding security for these areas.
Yes, although there are several dangerous areas in Philly, many universities like the University of Pennsylvania are located in safe places. Areas around universities have stricter city management and petrol activities, which ensure the safety of students and people passing by.
North Philadelphia and Kensington have the highest crime rate. Especially Kensington, which is the source of the spreading crime. Endless shootings, robberies, drug dealing, property crime, etc. make them the worst sections of Philadelphia to live.
Yes, North Philly is one of the worst areas of Philadelphia, with shootings, assaults, robberies, drug dealing run rampant. There are also many other dangerous neighborhoods in the north.
Yes, downtown Philly is a hub for tourists, which is a safe place to hang out even at night. There are many entertainment activities in downtown, and excellent restaurants. The downtown is a bustling place with police patrols, so, it’s quite safe at night.
Yes, the crime rate has always been a big concern for many people. The main crime is concentrated in the north, parts of the west, and the northeast of Philly. And those include millions of assaults, thefts, robberies, muggings, drug dealing, and even homicides.
Whether Philadelphia is a good place to live depends on personal preferences. There are some advantages to live in Philly. The house is more affordable for many people; and the city boasts a rich history and culture; its advantageous geography, located to NYC and New Jersey, also contributes to its appeal; additionally, the wide range of food options, shopping areas that make living easier. However, it’s also notable to point out its disadvantages. The crime rate is extremely high in some neighborhoods, posing a significant threat to residents; besides, due to its old history, many facilities, buildings, amenities are old and broken; in addition, Philly has a high tax rates. So, for those seeking an affordable place and with a rich historical heritage, Philadelphia might be a good place to live. For others, you should research more about this city before moving in.
The cheapest and comparatively safe places to live in Philly are Fox Chase, Southwest Philly, Brewerytown, Mayfair, Manayunk, Bustleton,etc. The house rent in these places are ranges from $800-$1,200 per month. Living in these areas also means having cheaper food and entertainment expense.
The crime rate in Philly is comparatively higher than in many other cities in the US. Especially crimes like shootings, robberies, and crimes usually take place in the dangerous areas like Kensington, Nicetown, etc.
Initiatives like police patrolling, gun violence intervention programs, and neighborhood revitalization projects are aiming to reduce the crime rate in Philly. These initiatives receive a lot of support from the government and local people.
The main causes of high crime rates in these neighborhoods include unemployment, poverty, which leave them no choice but to resort to committing crime. Other important causes like lack of education, personal mental problems, and housing conditions all increase the appearance of crimes.
The Philadelphia Police Department website and other official portals like Open Data Philly provide up-to-date crime statistics, and the crime map, real-time tracking in Philadelphia.
Yes, many universities are actively involved in violence prevention for a better study and living environment. They would support such activities through community activities, university research programs, and cooperation with local government, etc.
