Is Gastonia or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gastonia is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 6/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,364 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 20% lower. Gastonia has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gastonia has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 18.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gastonia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gastonia, NC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gastonia | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,363.7 | 5,458.5 | -1,094.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 849.5 | 910.3 | -60.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 16.9 | -12.2 |
| Rape Rate | 37.6 | 46.1 | -8.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 273.2 | -149.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 683.8 | 572.5 | +111.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,514.2 | 4,548.2 | -1,034.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 512.3 | 319.0 | +193.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,587.2 | 3,223.6 | -636.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 414.8 | 1,005.6 | -590.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gastonia or Philadelphia safer?
Gastonia is safer with a total crime rate of 4,364 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gastonia has a violent crime rate of 849.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Gastonia has lower violent crime.
About Gastonia, NC
Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with a rich textile history, sits west of Charlotte in Gaston County. Its population of over 80,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 85,112, Gastonia has a total crime rate of 4,363.7 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.