Is Cary or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cary is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 60/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,389 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 75% lower. Cary has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cary has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 8.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cary — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cary, NC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cary | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,388.9 | 5,458.5 | -4,069.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.5 | 910.3 | -838.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 16.9 | -15.3 |
| Rape Rate | 6.6 | 46.1 | -39.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 12.7 | 273.2 | -260.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.1 | 572.5 | -522.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,317.4 | 4,548.2 | -3,230.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.6 | 319.0 | -230.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,110.6 | 3,223.6 | -2,113.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 118.3 | 1,005.6 | -887.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cary or Philadelphia safer?
Cary is safer with a total crime rate of 1,389 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cary has a violent crime rate of 71.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Cary has lower violent crime.
About Cary, NC
Cary, NC, a large town in the Research Triangle region, began as a railroad town. It consistently ranks among the most educated communities in the U.S., attracting a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 181,793, Cary has a total crime rate of 1,388.9 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.