B, A state known for having a diverse population, culture, and business, has a big problem with crime, especially violent crime.
The FBI’s 2020 report said that the state had a murder rate of 5.8 per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of 297.5 per 100,000 people, which were both higher than the national norms.
Crime is different in different parts of the state, with bigger effects in some towns.
The Designation: Chester
Based on an analysis of crime statistics by RoadSnacks, Chester, which is in Delaware County and close to Philadelphia, has been named the murder capital of Pennsylvania for 2023.
This title takes into account things like population, poverty, unemployment rates, and schooling, as well as things like the number and rate of murders per capita.
In 2020, there were 27 killings in Chester, which was the most in the state. The murder rate was 79.6 per 100,000 people, second only to Wilkinsburg.
Chester’s Past
Chester was founded by Swedish settlers in the 1600s and has a long history of wealth and industry. The city used to be a busy place for trade, shipbuilding, and industry, but since the middle of the 20th century, it has been getting worse.
This decline is caused by things like the loss of businesses, jobs, and people, which causes problems in society and the economy like poverty, crime, and corruption.
Things that led to Chester’s status
Location
Chester is in the southeast corner of Pennsylvania, close to major highways like I-95 and I-476. This makes it easy for people, goods, and sadly illegal drugs and weapons to move around. Cities like Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Media may also have an effect on the crime rate in Chester.
Population
Chester has a population of 33,905 people, with 69.7% being black, 17.9% being white, and 9.9% being Hispanic or Latino. The median age of the population is 31.4 years, and 35.9% of people living in poverty.
The Economy
Chester’s economy is weak, with an unemployment rate of 10.9% and a typical household income of $30,571. Its economy depends on industries like healthcare, government, entertainment, and education.
Effects of History and Culture
Chester’s long and complicated past, which includes industrialization, deindustrialization, immigration, and other events, has shaped what the city is today. Its lively food, leisure, sports, and arts scenes raise both the quality of life and the risk of crime.
Numbers of Crime
The FBI reports that Chester had an alarmingly high crime rate in 2020, with a violent crime rate of 2,146.9 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,253.7 per 100,000 people. These rates are much higher than the state and national norms.
In the same year, the Chester Police Department saw 27 murders, 64 rapes, 163 robberies, 381 severe assaults, 1,011 burglaries, 1,190 thefts, and 403 motor vehicle thefts. Many of these crimes were connected to drugs and gangs.
Conclusion
Chester, Pennsylvania’s murder capital, has been identified as the city with the highest murder rate in the state.
The city, located in Delaware County near Philadelphia, has a history of wealth and industry but has been declining due to the loss of businesses and people.
The city’s economy is weak, and its history and culture have influenced its current crime rate. The FBI reports a violent crime rate of 2,146.9 per 100,000 people.