Is Doylestown Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Perched on the rolling countryside of southeastern Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, the historic borough of Doylestown surprises visitors with its charming sophistication, culture, and natural beauty.

Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, German and English settlers later established a village by the 1750s centered around a key crossroads trade route and grew into a hub for industry, governance, arts, and innovation.

Quakers and intellectuals fostered abolitionist sentiment and supported forming Bucks County itself.

Doylestown became the county seat in 1813.

Handsome Victorian buildings now line Main Street, forming one of the best-preserved country towns of its kind today.

That, along with world-class museums like the iconic concrete castle Fonthill and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, showcase both the artistry and innovation this place has long inspired.

Beyond downtown, covered bridges dot tree-lined back roads, passing bucolic horse farms and rolling fields of peace.

Lake Galena offers a place for streamside hikes or casting for trout.

Come evening, relax at Pebbles, one of the area’s storied jazz joints and event spaces.

Less discovered than other nearby destinations, Doylestown reveals its layers slowly to those who wander through it, finding that small-town warmth and a creative culture still very much thrive here today.

Most of the communities in Bucks County mimic this fairy-tale-like experience, and it’s a wonderful spot for those looking to get away from the hustle of busy life and just slow down to savor the moment.

Warnings & Dangers in Doylestown

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Doylestown has a low-risk and chill vibe. You'll be amazed at how low the crime rates are while being impressed with stunning sights.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Doylestown uses the DART system to provide public transportation for the town, New Britain, and Chalfont. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find. I'd recommend a rental car so you can explore at your own pace.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With seven pickpockets or purse snatchings over the past five years, the risk is low. However, don't create a crime of opportunity by leaving your purse unattended or leaving your shopping bags on the ground while you talk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Doylestown faces typical Northeast US weather risks: Winter chills & potential blizzards. Flash floods from strong storms, especially in summer. Gusty winds can cause power outages. Hot days in July & August, with humidity contributing to discomfort. Pollen allergies peak in spring and fall. The risk is low, but stay informed of the weather in case a big storm is brewing.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Both the township and borough have around 1–2 robberies a year. The risk is low. It's a place you can feel safe walking around at night but stick to well-lit areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk here is low in this quaint community, but being this close to Philadelphia, it helps to stay aware of any suspicious activity and report it immediately.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

If you do a quick Google News search for "Doylestown scams," you'll see the most recent reports of scams. Most focus on residents, but a few could impact tourists if you aren't aware. The risk is low, but keep it that way by staying informed.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

As someone who visited here for a work trip with two female colleagues, I can tell you it's a safe place for women. Even when walking around alone, I never felt any hint of fear. Of course, standard safety precautions always apply.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows two violations, but those were related to the reporting of data, not water safety. In the end, all standards were met or exceeded.

Safest Places to Visit in Doylestown

This is one of those communities where you just want to drive around and soak in the homes, tree-lined streets, and rolling hills – and it’s totally safe to do so.

You don’t need to worry about bad neighborhoods here – just stay off private property, and if there’s a gated community, don’t sneak past the gates to look around.

Depending on where you are from, the streets might feel very narrow here, especially in residential areas.

The streets also wind around, meaning you can’t always see around the curve or past the cars parked on the street.

It’s important you stick to the speed limits, especially in residential areas where kids might be playing.

Places to Avoid in Doylestown

This is one of those communities where you just want to drive around and soak in the homes, tree-lined streets, and rolling hills – and it’s totally safe to do so.

You don’t need to worry about bad neighborhoods here – just stay off private property, and if there’s a gated community, don’t sneak past the gates to look around.

Depending on where you are from, the streets might feel very narrow here, especially in residential areas.

The streets also wind around, meaning you can’t always see around the curve or past the cars parked on the street.

It’s important you stick to the speed limits, especially in residential areas where kids might be playing.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Doylestown

So... How Safe Is Doylestown Really?

Doylestown borough and township are extremely safe, almost so much so that I don’t want to elaborate to give you a false sense of safety – if that makes sense.

Between Doylestown Township police and the Central Bucks Police Department, violent crimes are around 75-80% lower than the national and state averages.

Each department sees about an average of 10 violent crimes a year going back through the past decade.

When other communities saw crime surge, Doylestown stayed on average.

In fact, it’s the communities like Doylestown that make Pennsylvania have an average violent crime rate that is 30% lower than the national average.

Thefts are around 85% lower than the national average, but still it’s car break-ins accounting for almost 30% of all thefts.

Simply locking your car and removing personal items lowers that risk immediately.

This is an affluent community, with an average income of around $110,000 across the board.

A few home burglaries would set off the engaged community to demand change.

How Does Doylestown Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

U.S. entry for international visitors: Visa/waiver needed (check if eligible) + valid passport for at least 6 months. Start your visa application on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

Going Stateside? Bring USD currency! Home bank exchange rates can't be beat. Check ATM compatibility. Credit cards: convenience and theft protection, but check for foreign transaction fees. The Philadelphia airport does have a currency exchange in the terminal.

Weather

I can say from experience that this place is magical in the fall. The air is crisp, and the leaves are stunning. Bring a jacket for cool evenings. Winters will be cold and snowy. Plan for spring to be volatile, with mild temperatures one day and winter the next. Bring players to be more flexible with attire. You'll want comfortable walking shoes throughout the year to enjoy all these beautiful main streets!

Airports

Philadelphia International Airport is just an hour away, making it an easy-to-access and large airport nearby.

Travel Insurance

Unforeseen events happen (even in the U.S.). Travel insurance shields you from emergencies, severe weather, and car breakdowns. Double-check U.S. health coverage for extra peace of mind.

Doylestown Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Pennsylvania - Safety by City