Is East Palo Alto or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, East Palo Alto is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,527 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 54% lower. East Palo Alto has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where East Palo Alto has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 56.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
East Palo Alto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
East Palo Alto, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | East Palo Alto | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,526.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,931.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 607.3 | 910.3 | -303.0 |
| Murder Rate | 7.2 | 16.9 | -9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 94.0 | 46.1 | +47.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 213.3 | 273.2 | -60.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 292.8 | 572.5 | -279.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,919.5 | 4,548.2 | -2,628.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 108.5 | 319.0 | -210.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,352.0 | 3,223.6 | -1,871.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 459.1 | 1,005.6 | -546.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Palo Alto or Philadelphia safer?
East Palo Alto is safer with a total crime rate of 2,527 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
East Palo Alto has a violent crime rate of 607.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. East Palo Alto has lower violent crime.
About East Palo Alto, CA
East Palo Alto, California, a city incorporated in 1983, sits on the San Francisco Bay's western shore. It is the only city in San Mateo County that primarily has a Black and Hispanic population. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 27,663, East Palo Alto has a total crime rate of 2,526.8 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.