Is Asheville or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Asheville is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 4/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,691 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 14% lower. Asheville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Asheville has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 16.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Asheville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Asheville, NC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Asheville | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,691.3 | 5,458.5 | -767.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 796.1 | 910.3 | -114.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.6 | 16.9 | -4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 86.1 | 46.1 | +40.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.4 | 273.2 | -159.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 583.9 | 572.5 | +11.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,895.2 | 4,548.2 | -652.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 601.8 | 319.0 | +282.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,956.3 | 3,223.6 | -267.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 337.1 | 1,005.6 | -668.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asheville or Philadelphia safer?
Asheville is safer with a total crime rate of 4,691 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Asheville has a violent crime rate of 796.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Asheville has lower violent crime.
About Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city known for its arts scene and the historic Biltmore Estate. Its population, predominantly white, enjoys a unique blend of Appalachian heritage and progressive culture. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 95,219, Asheville has a total crime rate of 4,691.3 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.