Is Fairfax City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairfax City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,432 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 37% lower. Fairfax City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fairfax City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 60.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fairfax City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairfax City, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairfax City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,431.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,026.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 128.5 | 910.3 | -781.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 11.7 | 46.1 | -34.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.7 | 273.2 | -226.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.1 | 572.5 | -502.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,303.2 | 4,548.2 | -1,245.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 62.3 | 319.0 | -256.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,104.6 | 3,223.6 | -119.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.3 | 1,005.6 | -869.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax City or Philadelphia safer?
Fairfax City is safer with a total crime rate of 3,432 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairfax City has a violent crime rate of 128.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Fairfax City has lower violent crime.
About Fairfax City, VA
Fairfax City, a Northern Virginia independent city, boasts a rich colonial history as the site of the first court to repudiate the Stamp Act. It is home to George Mason University, a major public research institution, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 25,672, Fairfax City has a total crime rate of 3,431.8 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.