Is Cleveland or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 9% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Philadelphia has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 4.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 5,458.5 | +528.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 910.3 | +650.8 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 16.9 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 46.1 | +94.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 273.2 | +116.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 572.5 | +428.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 4,548.2 | -121.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 319.0 | +541.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 3,223.6 | -804.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 1,005.6 | +140.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 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.