Is Ferguson or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ferguson is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,211 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 23% lower. Ferguson has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ferguson has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 86.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ferguson, MO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ferguson | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,210.8 | 5,458.5 | -1,247.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 712.1 | 910.3 | -198.2 |
| Murder Rate | 33.6 | 16.9 | +16.7 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 46.1 | -18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 273.2 | -149.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 527.1 | 572.5 | -45.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,498.7 | 4,548.2 | -1,049.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 555.1 | 319.0 | +236.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,040.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,182.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 902.7 | 1,005.6 | -102.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferguson or Philadelphia safer?
Ferguson is safer with a total crime rate of 4,211 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ferguson has a violent crime rate of 712.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Ferguson has lower violent crime.
About Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 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.