Is Elgin or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Elgin is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 61/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,369 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 75% lower. Elgin has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Elgin has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 13.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elgin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elgin, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elgin | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,368.7 | 5,458.5 | -4,089.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 266.7 | 910.3 | -643.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.4 | 16.9 | -12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 64.7 | 46.1 | +18.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 31.0 | 273.2 | -242.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 166.6 | 572.5 | -405.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,102.1 | 4,548.2 | -3,446.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 211.7 | 319.0 | -107.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 804.4 | 3,223.6 | -2,419.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.9 | 1,005.6 | -919.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elgin or Philadelphia safer?
Elgin is safer with a total crime rate of 1,369 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elgin has a violent crime rate of 266.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Elgin has lower violent crime.
About Elgin, IL
Elgin, Illinois, once known as "Watch City" due to the Elgin National Watch Company, is a Fox River community. Located in Kane and Cook counties, it's home to a diverse population of over 114,000 residents. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 112,879, Elgin has a total crime rate of 1,368.7 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.