Is Stroudsburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Of all the charming communities in the Pocono Mountains, we’re talking about Stroudsburg here.

Actually, we’ll be talking about Stroud and East Stroudsburg a bit too.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing escape, Stroudsburg has something for everyone.

Situated roughly 75 miles northwest of New York City, Stroudsburg sits at the confluence of three picturesque creeks – Brodhead, McMichaels, and Pocono.

Founded in 1815, the town boasts a fascinating past.

It began as Fort Hamilton, a strategic outpost pitting settlers against Native American tribes.

Later, it flourished as a lumber and textile center, earning the nickname “Silk City of the Poconos.”

Today, Stroudsburg thrives as a charming destination, blending its historical character with modern appeal.

Stroudsburg is considered a pitstop for some, with easy access off of I-80.

I’m here to tell you why you might want to stick around a little longer.

The growing downtown scene is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries while more development and entertainment flourish in the surrounding communities.

For easier reading, I’ll refer to the different municipalities as towns, but with the understanding that Stroudsburg is a borough, Stroud is a township, and East Stroudsburg is a borough.

NOTE: All crime statistics are from the Stroud Area Regional Police, which covers the three towns here.

In some cases, I can split the data between the towns, but in others, that data isn’t available.

It will help to know the populations of each location as we discuss crime risks.

Stroud Township: 19,834

East Stroudsburg: 9,669

Stroudsburg: 5,927

Warnings & Dangers in Stroudsburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Stroudsburg or any city containing the word "Stroud" in this region. Crime rates are low, while thefts are high - but I can help explain why that shouldn't make you anxious.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Monroe County Transit Authority has the Pocono Pony routes that get you around the region. You can take a bus between New York City and Stroudsburg for $50-$75. Locally, taxis and rideshares are available. You might want to rent a car in NYC if that's where you're landing, as you'll want to explore as much as possible of the Poconos region.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

A purse is more likely to be snatched than a pocket is to be picked, but the risk is still low, with fewer than 10 happening on average each year. As a big tourist area, you want to take extra steps to limit what you carry and keep your purse attached to you at all times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Severe storms to winter storms can happen here, but there's no overwhelming risk that would warrant a higher risk. Just stay updated on the weather information. If a hurricane comes inland between June and November, it can cause big problems.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk is low, and each town gets about the same number. There are also discrepancies between different crime data sites about these numbers, but the highest number I've seen was 19 in 2023. That means even in the worst-case scenario, robbery rates here are still 33% lower than the national average.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk in a remote area with nature all around. Nothing about this area would attract international tourists, especially with New York City so close by.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most of the recent scams are high-end crimes, like real estate fraud or COVID-19-related fraud. The risk is low, but keep yourself informed of crime trends through the police department and FTC websites so you know the latest trends.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk for women is low, and it's a suitable place for all generations and travel groups. If you want nightlife, they have that. If you want to relax and find solitude, that's here too. Plus, we'll talk about some great activities if you're bringing the kids.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The Brodhead Creek Regional Authority provides water for this area, and the annual Water Quality Reports are posted online by July 1 for the previous year. The reports are split between the boroughs and towns. In the most recent report, all water quality standards were met or exceeded, giving it a low risk.

Safest Places to Visit in Stroudsburg

I tracked down a few websites to help you get as much information as possible from legitimate sources.

First, there’s the PoconosMountains.com website, where you can choose the Stroudsburg region for things to do.

It also covers all the other regions of the Poconos (“poh-KUN-ohs”).

Then there’s the Visit PA website, covering tourism for the whole state but with a special Stroudsburg section.

Finally, VisitDowntownStroudsburg.com hyper-focuses on the delightful downtown area that effortlessly blends nature, history, and hip into one area.

FAIR WARNING: The Poconos is one of those locations where there’s a head-spinning number of things to do.

For example, even if you know skiing is on the agenda, you have dozens of locations to choose from.

Take your time while planning this trip. 

When you visit downtown, you’ll find:

• At least 20 stores to shop
• More than two dozen restaurants
• At least eight art galleries or performance venues
• At least three-day spas

The Poconos Visitor Center is also in Stroudsburg at 1004 West Main Street.

Winter events include skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at places like Camelback Mountain or snowshoeing/cross-country skiing at Delaware Gap National Recreation Area.

Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours feel like an Alaskan adventure or an Iditarod experience without leaving the Poconos!

Let a team of huskies pull you through a snow-covered field.

For a more chill and meditative experience, reach out to the team at Naturfi to help you plan a serene escape.

When warm weather arrives, get ready to explore the outdoors.

Delaware Gap National Rec Area is a hot spot for rafting and kayaking.

You can go it alone with a rental or hire a guide to take you on the adventure.

As a great rainy-day adventure, The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium offer two experiences in one location.

You can explore the world of science before reaching for the stars!

Step into a glacial relic at Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve!

This 1,500-acre wonder in Pennsylvania’s Poconos cradles a 150-acre boreal bog – the southernmost of its kind on the eastern seaboard.

Boardwalks wind through this mystical realm, while trails hug the bog’s edge, offering glimpses of its fragile beauty.

Look for special treats each season, like haunted houses and tours in the fall, holiday festivals in November and December, and winter activities like the snowman parade.

Places to Avoid in Stroudsburg

Even if there were a bad part of town, you likely wouldn’t end up there anyway.

The way the towns are laid out, Stroudsburg has most of the amenities since it’s right along the interstate.

That does include most of the hotels.

However, you might want to avoid staying in Stroudsburg because there are some epic resorts in the nearby communities in the mountains.

You can find a place with an arcade, indoor water park, slopeside access, and meals on-site.

Bottom line – no place in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, or Stroud Township is too dangerous to visit.

There just isn’t much for a tourist to do in the latter two.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Stroudsburg

So... How Safe Is Stroudsburg Really?

Stroudsburg and the neighboring towns are very safe.

Violent crime rates are 20% lower than the state average and 43% lower than the national average.

Theft breaks the mold and goes to 90% higher than the national average, but there’s a good reason why.

More than 54% of the thefts are related to shoplifting.

Surprisingly, just 9% of all thefts are car break-ins.

Most communities have closer to 30%.

Going off the last monthly report, which was November 2023, Stroudsburg gets the fewest calls for service, which makes sense since it’s also the smallest town of the three.

The largest call-for-service category is suspicious activity.

Even being so close to the interstate, Stroudsburg also had the fewest motor vehicle accidents.

On the flip side, Stroudsburg had the most aggravated assaults of the three, with 25 reports for the first 11 months of 2023.

Burglaries were highest in East Stroudsburg.

Then you have the natural dangers, which you largely control.

Things like wearing a life vest while kayaking or canceling a hike when thunderstorms are planned go a long way here.

If there’s a snowstorm, give the road crews 24 hours to clear the roads before you go driving around.

Exploring the Poconos is a bucket list adventure for many, and I hope this has helped prepare you for the trip.

How Does Stroudsburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

International guests need a visa or visa waiver, and information can be found on the U.S. State Department website. A valid passport is also required.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted here. Charge things on credit cards before using cash. It's easy to file a fraud complaint with a credit card, but if cash is stolen, you likely won't get it back.

Weather

Plan for the season and prepare for extremes in each. That means full winter gear for snowy mountains and rain gear during the wet months. Since the weather can change quickly, keep an eye on the forecast before you travel to help you pack. You'll want hiking boots in the woods and comfortable shoes or sandals to walk around town.

Airports

You can get to any of New York City's major airports in less than two hours but plan ahead for traffic. Some resorts offer shuttles to and from NYC, or you can book your own bus ticket. Only use vendors approved through the tourism website to make sure you don't get scammed.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, in addition to adventure insurance, is a smart investment when visiting the Poconos.

Stroudsburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Pennsylvania - Safety by City