Is Burlington or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 65% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 57.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 5,458.5 | -3,570.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 910.3 | -685.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 46.1 | -24.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 273.2 | -258.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 572.5 | -384.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,885.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 319.0 | -223.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 3,223.6 | -1,704.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 1,005.6 | -957.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Philadelphia safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 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.