Is Brookings or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookings is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 64/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 77% lower. Brookings has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 62.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookings, SD
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookings | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,266.3 | 5,458.5 | -4,192.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.3 | 910.3 | -821.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 16.2 | 46.1 | -29.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 273.2 | -273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 69.0 | 572.5 | -503.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,177.0 | 4,548.2 | -3,371.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.7 | 319.0 | -274.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,059.3 | 3,223.6 | -2,164.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 73.1 | 1,005.6 | -932.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookings or Philadelphia safer?
Brookings is safer with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookings has a violent crime rate of 89.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Brookings has lower violent crime.
About Brookings, SD
Brookings, South Dakota, home to South Dakota State University, is a plains community near the Minnesota border. Its population of around 24,000 is largely influenced by the university's students and faculty. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 24,638, Brookings has a total crime rate of 1,266.3 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.