Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and scenic landscapes. However, it also has its share of crime problems, especially in some of its cities. According to the FBI statistics, one city in Pennsylvania stands out as the most dangerous in the entire country: McKees Rocks.
What Makes McKees Rocks So Dangerous?
McKees Rocks is a small city in Allegheny County, with a population of only 6,046. However, it has a crime rate that is 205% higher than the national average, and 101% higher than the state average. This means that residents and visitors have a 1 in 16 chance of being a victim of any crime, and a 1 in 58 chance of being a victim of a violent crime.
The city has a crime index of 2, which means that it is safer than only 2% of other US cities. The most common crimes in McKees Rocks are property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, which account for 4,723 of the total 6,409 reported crimes in 2020. However, the city also has a high rate of violent crimes, such as assault, rape, robbery, and murder, which account for 1,687 of the total crimes.
One of the main factors that contribute to the high crime rate in McKees Rocks is the poverty level. The median household income in the city is $28,750, which is 48% lower than the national average. The poverty rate is 29.9%, which is 97% higher than the national average. The unemployment rate is 9.1%, which is 44% higher than the national average. These economic hardships create a cycle of desperation, frustration, and violence among the residents.
Another factor that influences the crime rate in McKees Rocks is the lack of education and opportunity. The city has a low graduation rate of 79%, which is 16% lower than the national average. The city also has a low college attainment rate of 11%, which is 59% lower than the national average. These low levels of education limit the chances of finding a good job, pursuing a career, or improving one’s quality of life.
How Does McKees Rocks Compare to Other Dangerous Cities in Pennsylvania?
McKees Rocks is not the only dangerous city in Pennsylvania. There are several other cities that have high crime rates and face similar challenges. Some of the other most dangerous cities in Pennsylvania are:
Darby: This city has a population of 10,667 and a crime rate that is 188% higher than the national average. It is the most violent city in Pennsylvania, with 152 reported violent crimes in 2020, including assault, rape, robbery, and murder. The city also has a high poverty rate of 28.2% and a low median home value of $82,800.
Chester: This city has a population of 33,988 and a crime rate that is 184% higher than the national average. It is the second most violent city in Pennsylvania, with 1,017 reported violent crimes in 2020, including 23 murders. The city also has a high poverty rate of 33.5% and a low median home value of $49,900.
McKeesport: This city has a population of 19,731 and a crime rate that is 170% higher than the national average. It is the third most violent city in Pennsylvania, with 404 reported violent crimes in 2020, including 12 murders. The city also has a high poverty rate of 29.8% and a low median home value of $39,400.
Yeadon: This city has a population of 11,471 and a crime rate that is 165% higher than the national average. It is the fourth most violent city in Pennsylvania, with 192 reported violent crimes in 2020, including 3 murders. The city also has a high poverty rate of 16.9% and a low median home value of $125,700.
What Can Be Done to Improve the Situation in McKees Rocks and Other Dangerous Cities?
The high crime rate in McKees Rocks and other dangerous cities in Pennsylvania is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. There is no single solution that can solve the issue, but rather a combination of strategies that address the root causes and the symptoms of crime. Some of the possible solutions are:
Investing in education and job training: One of the best ways to prevent crime is to provide people with the skills and opportunities to succeed in life. By improving the quality and accessibility of education and job training, the residents of McKees Rocks and other dangerous cities can increase their chances of finding a stable and rewarding career, and reduce their dependence on welfare or illegal activities.
Providing social services and support: Another way to prevent crime is to provide people with the resources and assistance they need to overcome their challenges and improve their well-being. By providing social services and support, such as counseling, health care, housing, food, and child care, the residents of McKees Rocks and other dangerous cities can cope with their stress, trauma, and mental health issues, and avoid resorting to violence or substance abuse.
Enhancing community policing and engagement: A third way to prevent crime is to improve the relationship and cooperation between the police and the community. By enhancing community policing and engagement, the residents of McKees Rocks and other dangerous cities can build trust and respect with the law enforcement, and work together to identify and solve the problems that affect their neighborhoods. Community policing and engagement can also increase the accountability and transparency of the police, and reduce the incidents of police brutality and misconduct.
Conclusion
McKees Rocks is a city in Pennsylvania that has been named one of the most dangerous cities in the entire country, based on the FBI statistics. The city has a high crime rate that is 205% higher than the national average, and a low quality of life that is influenced by poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
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McKees Rocks is not alone in its struggle, as there are several other cities in Pennsylvania that face similar issues. To improve the situation, the city and the state need to implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach that addresses the root causes and the symptoms of crime, and provides the residents with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.