Is Chester City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chester City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,819 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 48% lower. Chester City has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Philadelphia has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 45.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chester City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chester City, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chester City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,819.4 | 5,458.5 | -2,639.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 830.8 | 910.3 | -79.5 |
| Murder Rate | 58.9 | 16.9 | +42.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.9 | 46.1 | +12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 194.4 | 273.2 | -78.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 518.5 | 572.5 | -54.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,988.6 | 4,548.2 | -2,559.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.9 | 319.0 | +13.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,243.2 | 3,223.6 | -1,980.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 412.4 | 1,005.6 | -593.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chester City or Philadelphia safer?
Chester City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,819 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chester City has a violent crime rate of 830.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Chester City has lower violent crime.
About Chester City, PA
Chester, Pennsylvania, a city along the Delaware River, was once home to the nation's first continuously operating shipyard. Today, it is a diverse community with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 33,944, Chester City has a total crime rate of 2,819.4 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.