Is Boulder or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boulder is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 19/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 44% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 14.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 5,458.5 | -2,403.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 910.3 | -588.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 46.1 | -10.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 273.2 | -228.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 572.5 | -330.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 4,548.2 | -1,815.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 319.0 | +64.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 3,223.6 | -1,081.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 1,005.6 | -797.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Philadelphia safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 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.