Is Columbus or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 74/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 81% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbus has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 63.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbus — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, NE
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,012.4 | 5,458.5 | -4,446.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 85.4 | 910.3 | -824.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 44.7 | 46.1 | -1.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 4.1 | 273.2 | -269.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 36.6 | 572.5 | -535.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 927.0 | 4,548.2 | -3,621.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 93.5 | 319.0 | -225.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 768.5 | 3,223.6 | -2,455.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 65.1 | 1,005.6 | -940.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Philadelphia safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 1,012 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 85.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Columbus, NE
Columbus, Nebraska, a city named after Christopher Columbus, sits on the Loup and Platte Rivers. It is the county seat of Platte County and has a population of over 24,000. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 24,595, Columbus has a total crime rate of 1,012.4 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.