Is Evanston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Evanston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 47% lower. Evanston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Evanston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 20.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Evanston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Evanston, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Evanston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,883.6 | 5,458.5 | -2,574.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 141.6 | 910.3 | -768.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 31.0 | 46.1 | -15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.3 | 273.2 | -218.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.3 | 572.5 | -517.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,742.1 | 4,548.2 | -1,806.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 451.6 | 319.0 | +132.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,054.5 | 3,223.6 | -1,169.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 235.9 | 1,005.6 | -769.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evanston or Philadelphia safer?
Evanston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Evanston has a violent crime rate of 141.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Evanston has lower violent crime.
About Evanston, IL
Evanston, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan, is home to Northwestern University, a prestigious private institution. Its diverse population reflects a mix of students, families, and long-time residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 74,178, Evanston has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 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.