Is Blacksburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 82/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 85% lower. Blacksburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Blacksburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 33.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Blacksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 5,458.5 | -4,667.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 910.3 | -833.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 46.1 | -4.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 273.2 | -271.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 572.5 | -539.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 4,548.2 | -3,833.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 319.0 | -251.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 3,223.6 | -2,600.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 1,005.6 | -981.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Philadelphia safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Blacksburg has lower violent crime.
About Blacksburg, VA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg, Virginia, is a college town dominated by Virginia Tech. Its population is approximately 45,000, with students making up a significant portion. The town's vibrant atmosphere is a direct reflection of the university's influence. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 45,734, Blacksburg has a total crime rate of 791.5 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.