Is Gainesville or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gainesville is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 37% lower. Gainesville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gainesville has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 10.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gainesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gainesville, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gainesville | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,447.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,010.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 744.1 | 910.3 | -166.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 16.9 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 85.7 | 46.1 | +39.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 133.3 | 273.2 | -139.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 572.5 | -58.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,703.7 | 4,548.2 | -1,844.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 307.4 | 319.0 | -11.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,292.9 | 3,223.6 | -930.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 103.4 | 1,005.6 | -902.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainesville or Philadelphia safer?
Gainesville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gainesville has a violent crime rate of 744.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Gainesville has lower violent crime.
About Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a central North Florida city. Its humid subtropical climate supports a diverse population of over 140,000 residents. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 147,022, Gainesville has a total crime rate of 3,447.8 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.