Is Bellingham or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellingham is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 64/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 77% lower. Bellingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 85.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellingham, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellingham | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,259.7 | 5,458.5 | -4,198.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.5 | 910.3 | -694.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 46.1 | -1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 273.2 | -251.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.2 | 572.5 | -423.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,044.3 | 4,548.2 | -3,503.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 66.3 | 319.0 | -252.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 917.2 | 3,223.6 | -2,306.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.8 | 1,005.6 | -944.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham or Philadelphia safer?
Bellingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 215.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Bellingham has lower violent crime.
About Bellingham, MA
Bellingham, Massachusetts, a suburban town in southeastern Worcester County, was incorporated in 1719. It's home to roughly 19,000 residents and features a mix of residential areas and commercial zones along Route 126. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 18,099, Bellingham has a total crime rate of 1,259.7 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.