Is Fairbanks or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairbanks is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,167 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 24% lower. Fairbanks has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairbanks has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 48.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fairbanks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairbanks, AK
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairbanks | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,167.2 | 5,458.5 | -1,291.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.0 | 910.3 | -206.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.3 | 16.9 | -10.6 |
| Rape Rate | 120.0 | 46.1 | +73.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 132.6 | 273.2 | -140.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 438.8 | 572.5 | -133.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,463.2 | 4,548.2 | -1,085.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 296.8 | 319.0 | -22.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,847.6 | 3,223.6 | -376.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 318.9 | 1,005.6 | -686.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairbanks or Philadelphia safer?
Fairbanks is safer with a total crime rate of 4,167 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairbanks has a violent crime rate of 704.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Fairbanks has lower violent crime.
About Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, Alaska, a city founded on gold mining, sits just 190 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Its population of roughly 32,000 residents experiences extreme seasonal light variations, from near-total darkness to the midnight sun. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 31,676, Fairbanks has a total crime rate of 4,167.2 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.