Is Alexandria or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Alexandria is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,859 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 48% lower. Alexandria has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Alexandria has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 10.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alexandria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alexandria, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alexandria | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,859.1 | 5,458.5 | -2,599.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 219.1 | 910.3 | -691.2 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 16.9 | -15.6 |
| Rape Rate | 7.7 | 46.1 | -38.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 72.8 | 273.2 | -200.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 137.3 | 572.5 | -435.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,640.0 | 4,548.2 | -1,908.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 319.0 | -223.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,301.6 | 3,223.6 | -922.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 242.3 | 1,005.6 | -763.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Philadelphia safer?
Alexandria is safer with a total crime rate of 2,859 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alexandria has a violent crime rate of 219.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Alexandria has lower violent crime.
About Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, Virginia, a historic city across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., boasts cobblestone streets in Old Town and a diverse population. Its waterfront played a vital role in colonial trade and continues to attract visitors. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 155,153, Alexandria has a total crime rate of 2,859.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.