Is Chicago Heights or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago Heights is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 9/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,965 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 27% lower. Chicago Heights has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Chicago Heights has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 60.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago Heights | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,964.8 | 5,458.5 | -1,493.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,232.5 | 910.3 | +322.2 |
| Murder Rate | 19.4 | 16.9 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.5 | 46.1 | +0.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 263.6 | 273.2 | -9.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 903.0 | 572.5 | +330.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,732.4 | 4,548.2 | -1,815.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 674.4 | 319.0 | +355.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,465.0 | 3,223.6 | -1,758.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 593.0 | 1,005.6 | -412.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago Heights or Philadelphia safer?
Chicago Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 3,965 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago Heights has a violent crime rate of 1,232.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 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.