Pennsylvania Home Security Guide

Pennsylvania's overall crime rate is 16.81 per 1,000 residents (2024 FBI data). The violent crime rate is 2.46 per 1,000, which is below the national average of 3.59. Property crime sits at 14.35 per 1,000, also below the national average. Philadelphia drives a lot of the state's crime numbers, while many suburban and rural areas are quite safe.

Overall, Pennsylvania is safer than average. Violent crime is about 32% below the national rate, and property crime is 19% lower too. That said, Philadelphia has a crime rate of 54 per 1,000 residents, which is well above the state average. Suburbs like the Main Line, Bucks County, and Lancaster County are among the safest areas in the state.

Pennsylvania has strong options including Guardian Protection (headquartered in Warrendale, PA), Vector Security (based in Pittsburgh), ADT, SimpliSafe for DIY setups, and Ring Alarm for budget monitoring. Guardian Protection is a popular local choice with deep roots in the state.

Home security systems in Pennsylvania typically range from $15 to $45 per month for monitoring. DIY systems like SimpliSafe or Ring run $200 to $500 for equipment. Professional installation from ADT or Guardian Protection runs $500 to $1500. Many providers offer equipment deals with monitoring contracts.

Alarm permit requirements vary by municipality in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia requires alarm system registration. Many suburban townships also have permit requirements and false alarm fees. Check with your local municipality before installing a monitored system.