Is Chattanooga or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chattanooga is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 4/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 13% lower. Chattanooga has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chattanooga has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 8.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chattanooga — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chattanooga, TN
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chattanooga | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,766.7 | 5,458.5 | -691.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 824.3 | 910.3 | -86.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.7 | 16.9 | -4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 91.1 | 46.1 | +45.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 93.7 | 273.2 | -179.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 626.3 | 572.5 | +53.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,942.4 | 4,548.2 | -605.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 379.6 | 319.0 | +60.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,896.3 | 3,223.6 | -327.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 666.5 | 1,005.6 | -339.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chattanooga or Philadelphia safer?
Chattanooga is safer with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chattanooga has a violent crime rate of 824.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Chattanooga has lower violent crime.
About Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, nestled along the Tennessee River with Lookout Mountain forming part of its scenic backdrop, was a pivotal Civil War battleground. This mid-sized city boasts a diverse population exceeding 180,000 residents in its metropolitan area. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 188,894, Chattanooga has a total crime rate of 4,766.7 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.