Is Foster City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Foster City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 84/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 739 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 86% lower. Foster City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Foster City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 48.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Foster City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Foster City, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Foster City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 738.6 | 5,458.5 | -4,719.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 69.4 | 910.3 | -840.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 6.3 | 46.1 | -39.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 273.2 | -251.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.0 | 572.5 | -531.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 669.2 | 4,548.2 | -3,879.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 22.1 | 319.0 | -296.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 555.6 | 3,223.6 | -2,668.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.5 | 1,005.6 | -914.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foster City or Philadelphia safer?
Foster City is safer with a total crime rate of 739 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Foster City has a violent crime rate of 69.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Foster City has lower violent crime.
About Foster City, CA
Foster City, a master-planned community built on reclaimed land in San Mateo County, sits on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its lagoons and canals, a defining feature, are home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 31,680, Foster City has a total crime rate of 738.6 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.