Is Cortland or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cortland is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 16/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,181 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 42% lower. Cortland has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cortland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 90.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cortland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cortland, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cortland | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,180.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,277.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 226.8 | 910.3 | -683.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 40.7 | 46.1 | -5.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.6 | 273.2 | -261.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 174.5 | 572.5 | -398.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,954.0 | 4,548.2 | -1,594.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 325.6 | 319.0 | +6.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 3,223.6 | -641.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 46.5 | 1,005.6 | -959.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cortland or Philadelphia safer?
Cortland is safer with a total crime rate of 3,181 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cortland has a violent crime rate of 226.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Cortland has lower violent crime.
About Cortland, NY
Cortland, "The Crown City," sits in Central New York's hills. Home to SUNY Cortland, it's a small city with a population around 19,000. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 17,197, Cortland has a total crime rate of 3,180.8 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.