Is Erie or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Erie is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 33/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,305 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 58% lower. Erie has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Erie has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 16.8x 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, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Erie | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,304.6 | 5,458.5 | -3,153.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 375.6 | 910.3 | -534.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 16.9 | -11.5 |
| Rape Rate | 41.1 | 46.1 | -5.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 67.1 | 273.2 | -206.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 262.0 | 572.5 | -310.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,929.0 | 4,548.2 | -2,619.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.9 | 319.0 | -124.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,645.4 | 3,223.6 | -1,578.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.8 | 1,005.6 | -916.8 |
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 2,305 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Erie has a violent crime rate of 375.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Erie has lower violent crime.
About Erie, PA
Erie, a Rust Belt city on Lake Erie's southern shore, is home to the historic Presque Isle State Park. Its economy historically revolved around manufacturing and shipping. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 92,379, Erie has a total crime rate of 2,304.6 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.