Is Bethlehem Township or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bethlehem Township is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 66/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 78% lower. Bethlehem Township has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bethlehem Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 58.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bethlehem Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bethlehem Township, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bethlehem Township | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,223.0 | 5,458.5 | -4,235.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.7 | 910.3 | -838.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 15.1 | 46.1 | -31.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.1 | 273.2 | -258.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.5 | 572.5 | -531.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,151.3 | 4,548.2 | -3,396.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.0 | 319.0 | -251.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.0 | 3,223.6 | -2,200.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.4 | 1,005.6 | -945.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethlehem Township or Philadelphia safer?
Bethlehem Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,223 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bethlehem Township has a violent crime rate of 71.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Bethlehem Township has lower violent crime.
About Bethlehem Township, PA
Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania, once home to Lenni Lenape tribes, is a suburban community in Northampton County. It boasts a mix of residential areas and commercial centers, bordering the city of Bethlehem to its west. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 26,492, Bethlehem Township has a total crime rate of 1,223.0 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.