Is Altoona or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Altoona is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 36/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 61% lower. Altoona has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Altoona has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 69.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Altoona — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Altoona, IA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Altoona | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,154.1 | 5,458.5 | -3,304.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 142.7 | 910.3 | -767.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 8.9 | 46.1 | -37.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.4 | 273.2 | -259.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 120.4 | 572.5 | -452.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,011.4 | 4,548.2 | -2,536.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.0 | 319.0 | -203.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,775.0 | 3,223.6 | -1,448.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.4 | 1,005.6 | -885.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona or Philadelphia safer?
Altoona is safer with a total crime rate of 2,154 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 142.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Altoona has lower violent crime.
About Altoona, IA
Altoona, Iowa, a Des Moines suburb, is home to Adventureland Park. This growing city in Polk County has a population of over 20,000. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 22,422, Altoona has a total crime rate of 2,154.1 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.