Is Columbia or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 51% lower. Columbia has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbia has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 11.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, MO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,666.6 | 5,458.5 | -2,791.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 349.1 | 910.3 | -561.3 |
| Murder Rate | 10.0 | 16.9 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 38.4 | 46.1 | -7.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.9 | 273.2 | -233.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.3 | 572.5 | -313.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,317.5 | 4,548.2 | -2,230.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.9 | 319.0 | +14.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,605.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,618.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.0 | 1,005.6 | -626.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Philadelphia safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 349.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Columbia has lower violent crime.
About Columbia, MO
Columbia, home to the University of Missouri, is a vibrant college town in central Missouri's Boone County. Its "District" area features historic buildings and local businesses, reflecting its growth as a regional hub. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 130,354, Columbia has a total crime rate of 2,666.6 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.