Is Columbia Borough or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia Borough is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 32/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 57% lower. Columbia Borough has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 148.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbia Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia Borough, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia Borough | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,326.5 | 5,458.5 | -3,132.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.8 | 910.3 | -613.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 46.1 | -46.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 38.3 | 273.2 | -234.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 258.5 | 572.5 | -314.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,029.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,518.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 153.2 | 319.0 | -165.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,732.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,490.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 143.6 | 1,005.6 | -862.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Borough or Philadelphia safer?
Columbia Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia Borough has a violent crime rate of 296.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Columbia Borough has lower violent crime.
About Columbia Borough, PA
Columbia Borough, settled along the Susquehanna River, boasts a rich industrial past as a key railroad town. This diverse community of over 10,000 residents lies in Lancaster County, known for its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 10,445, Columbia Borough has a total crime rate of 2,326.5 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.