How Safe Are You? A Look at Norristown Area Crime Rates by Neighborhood

Using a database comprised of crime data and statistics from the FBI, U.S. Justice Department, and more than 17,000 local law enforcement agencies, an online research service called Neighborhood Scout now allows local residents to see a statistical breakdown of crimes by neighborhood.

Taking all available data, Neighborhood Scout applies a mathematical algorithm that estimates the total number of crimes and crime rates for each neighborhood, with nearly 90-percent accuracy. It then produces colored maps, which show the safest to most dangerous places to live.

Overall, the Norristown area scores a 16 out of 100 on the crime index, with 100 being the safest. The data states that there are 367 violent crimes and 997 property crimes committed annually, and the violent crime crime rate of 10.63 per 1,000 residents is almost triple the statewide average of 3.55. 

The likelihood of finding yourself a victim of violent crime in Norristown is 1 in 94, and the average of annual crimes per square-mile in the area is 378, compared to a state average of 62 crimes per square-mile and the national average of 39.6 crimes per square mile.

Per Neighborhood Scout:

We found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes (both large and small). Violent offenses tracked included forcible rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon.

According to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI reported crime data, the chance of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in Norristown is one in 94.

If you drill down to the neighborhood level, those neighborhoods with crime rates well above the average include:

• Dekalb Street / East Marshall Street
• Ridge Pike / Hamilton Street
• Ridge Pike / Dekalb Street
• West Marshall Street / Markley Street

As you move away from the center of the borough, the crime rates drop a bit as they begin to approach the statewide average. Those neighborhoods include:

• Markley Street / West Freedley Street
• Penn Square / Grand View Heights
• Dekalb Pike / Germantown Pike
• West Marshall Street / Middleton Place

As for the safest places to live in the Norristown area, the neighborhoods with the lower crime rate and crime density include:

• East Norriton
• Betzwood
• West Norriton
• Fairview Village

For more crime data on the Norristown area, as well as information on public schools and real estate appreciation rates, visit www.neighborhoodscout.com.

See also:

• Gunman Sought in West Basin Street Shooting