Is Grand Rapids or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Grand Rapids is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 38% lower. Grand Rapids has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Grand Rapids has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 7.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Grand Rapids — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Grand Rapids, MI
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Grand Rapids | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,390.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,067.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.1 | 910.3 | -0.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 16.9 | -10.8 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 46.1 | +43.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.4 | 273.2 | -156.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.8 | 572.5 | +125.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,480.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,067.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.5 | 319.0 | -51.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,828.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,394.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 384.4 | 1,005.6 | -621.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Rapids or Philadelphia safer?
Grand Rapids is safer with a total crime rate of 3,391 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 910.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Grand Rapids has lower violent crime.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city on the Grand River, is known as "Furniture City" due to its rich manufacturing history. It's the second-largest city in Michigan, with a diverse population. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 195,913, Grand Rapids has a total crime rate of 3,390.8 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.