Is East Lansing or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, East Lansing is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 58/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,440 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 74% lower. East Lansing has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where East Lansing has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 30.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
East Lansing — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
East Lansing, MI
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | East Lansing | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,440.4 | 5,458.5 | -4,018.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 219.9 | 910.3 | -690.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 16.9 | -13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 37.6 | 46.1 | -8.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.9 | 273.2 | -259.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 164.5 | 572.5 | -408.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,220.5 | 4,548.2 | -3,327.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.4 | 319.0 | -255.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 984.7 | 3,223.6 | -2,238.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.4 | 1,005.6 | -833.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Lansing or Philadelphia safer?
East Lansing is safer with a total crime rate of 1,440 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
East Lansing has a violent crime rate of 219.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. East Lansing has lower violent crime.
About East Lansing, MI
East Lansing, Michigan, home to Michigan State University, is a vibrant college town in the southern Lower Peninsula. Its population is largely young adults, and the city's culture is deeply intertwined with university life, including the Spartans' athletic traditions. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 50,472, East Lansing has a total crime rate of 1,440.4 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.