Is El Cajon or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 65% lower. El Cajon has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 15.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
El Cajon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Cajon, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Cajon | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 5,458.5 | -3,523.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 434.4 | 910.3 | -475.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 46.1 | -19.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.9 | 273.2 | -167.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.0 | 572.5 | -270.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,500.3 | 4,548.2 | -3,047.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.0 | 319.0 | -165.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,083.5 | 3,223.6 | -2,140.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 262.8 | 1,005.6 | -742.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon or Philadelphia safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Cajon has a violent crime rate of 434.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. El Cajon has lower violent crime.
About El Cajon, CA
Nestled in a valley east of San Diego, El Cajon boasts a rich history as a stop along the old wagon trails. Today, it's a diverse community with a significant Chaldean American population, reflecting its unique cultural tapestry. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 101,983, El Cajon has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 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.