Is Falls Church or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Falls Church is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 52/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,622 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 70% lower. Falls Church has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Falls Church has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 104.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Falls Church — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Falls Church, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Falls Church | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,621.5 | 5,458.5 | -3,837.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 101.3 | 910.3 | -809.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 46.1 | -46.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.3 | 273.2 | -225.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.1 | 572.5 | -518.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,520.2 | 4,548.2 | -3,028.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 81.1 | 319.0 | -237.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,331.0 | 3,223.6 | -1,892.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.1 | 1,005.6 | -897.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Falls Church or Philadelphia safer?
Falls Church is safer with a total crime rate of 1,622 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Falls Church has a violent crime rate of 101.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Falls Church has lower violent crime.
About Falls Church, VA
Falls Church, Virginia, an independent city since 1948, is a small, densely populated urban area in Northern Virginia. Its historic Falls Church Episcopal church dates to the 1700s, and it's known for its suburban charm and proximity to Washington D.C. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 14,801, Falls Church has a total crime rate of 1,621.5 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.