Is Cleveland or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cleveland is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 48% lower. Cleveland has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cleveland has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 31.3x 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, TN
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,837.4 | 5,458.5 | -2,621.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 452.7 | 910.3 | -457.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 16.9 | -12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 18.2 | 46.1 | -27.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.7 | 273.2 | -210.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 367.8 | 572.5 | -204.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,384.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,163.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 272.8 | 319.0 | -46.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,962.3 | 3,223.6 | -1,261.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 149.6 | 1,005.6 | -856.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Philadelphia safer?
Cleveland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,837 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 452.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Cleveland has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, TN
Cleveland, Tennessee, a city named for Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, sits in Bradley County at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It's home to Lee University, a prominent Church of God institution. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 49,482, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 2,837.4 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.