Is Boston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 51% lower. Boston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 2.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 5,458.5 | -2,808.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 910.3 | -282.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 16.9 | -13.3 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 46.1 | -20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 273.2 | -146.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 572.5 | -100.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,526.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 319.0 | -141.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 3,223.6 | -1,536.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 1,005.6 | -849.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Philadelphia safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Boston has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 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.