Is Decatur or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 47% lower. Decatur has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Decatur has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 26.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, AL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,915.5 | 5,458.5 | -2,542.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.7 | 910.3 | -303.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 16.9 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 54.7 | 46.1 | +8.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.4 | 273.2 | -228.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 499.0 | 572.5 | -73.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,308.9 | 4,548.2 | -2,239.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.1 | 319.0 | -125.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,833.8 | 3,223.6 | -1,389.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 282.0 | 1,005.6 | -723.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or Philadelphia safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 606.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, AL
Decatur, "The River City," sits on the Tennessee River in Morgan County. This North Alabama city, historically a railroad hub, is now home to a diverse population of over 55,000 residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 58,514, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,915.5 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.