Is Fitchburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fitchburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 46/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 66% lower. Fitchburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fitchburg has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 36.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fitchburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fitchburg, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fitchburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,830.8 | 5,458.5 | -3,627.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 486.6 | 910.3 | -423.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 16.9 | -14.6 |
| Rape Rate | 40.2 | 46.1 | -5.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.4 | 273.2 | -237.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 408.7 | 572.5 | -163.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,344.1 | 4,548.2 | -3,204.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.7 | 319.0 | -47.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 952.0 | 3,223.6 | -2,271.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 120.5 | 1,005.6 | -885.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitchburg or Philadelphia safer?
Fitchburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fitchburg has a violent crime rate of 486.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Fitchburg has lower violent crime.
About Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg, a city in northern Worcester County, was a major mill town known for its paper industry. It sits along the Nashua River and has a diverse, working-class population. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 42,332, Fitchburg has a total crime rate of 1,830.8 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.