Is Erie or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Erie is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 77/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 926 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 83% lower. Erie has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Erie has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 41.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Erie — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Erie, CO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Erie | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 925.7 | 5,458.5 | -4,532.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 29.7 | 910.3 | -880.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 5.4 | 46.1 | -40.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 273.2 | -270.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 21.6 | 572.5 | -550.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 896.0 | 4,548.2 | -3,652.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 175.4 | 319.0 | -143.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 669.3 | 3,223.6 | -2,554.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 51.3 | 1,005.6 | -954.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erie or Philadelphia safer?
Erie is safer with a total crime rate of 926 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Erie has a violent crime rate of 29.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Erie has lower violent crime.
About Erie, CO
Erie, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits north of Denver. This growing Boulder County community has seen a significant population increase, attracting new residents to its suburban landscape. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,055, Erie has a total crime rate of 925.7 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.