Is Fall River or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fall River is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 37/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,137 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 61% lower. Fall River has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fall River has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 16.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fall River — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fall River, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fall River | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,136.6 | 5,458.5 | -3,321.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 745.0 | 910.3 | -165.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.1 | 16.9 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 46.1 | +14.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 100.5 | 273.2 | -172.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 578.6 | 572.5 | +6.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,391.6 | 4,548.2 | -3,156.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 231.2 | 319.0 | -87.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 996.1 | 3,223.6 | -2,227.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 164.3 | 1,005.6 | -841.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fall River or Philadelphia safer?
Fall River is safer with a total crime rate of 2,137 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fall River has a violent crime rate of 745.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Fall River has lower violent crime.
About Fall River, MA
Fall River, site of the infamous Lizzie Borden case, is a South Coast Massachusetts city nestled along the Taunton River. Once a major textile center, its population is now largely working-class, with a significant Portuguese heritage. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 95,573, Fall River has a total crime rate of 2,136.6 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.