Chester, PA is considered dangerous mainly due to its very high rates of both violent and property crime, which are among the highest in the nation. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Chester is about 1 in 81, and for property crime, it is about 1 in 26, with motor vehicle theft especially prevalent.
Several factors contribute to the dangerous conditions in Chester:
- Economic decline: The city peaked in population and industrial activity mid-20th century, but has since experienced industrial collapse and significant job losses, driving poverty and depopulation.
- High poverty: About 33% of Chester’s population lives below the poverty line, impacting social conditions and crime rates.
- Environmental hazards: Chester hosts many industrial polluting facilities, trash incinerators, sewage plants, and high traffic pollution, contributing to poor health and living conditions among residents.
- Financial struggles: The city filed for bankruptcy in 2022, which reflects its ongoing fiscal challenges that affect public services and infrastructure.
These combined economic, social, and environmental factors create a challenging and unsafe environment for Chester’s residents.
