Is Harrisburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harrisburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 23/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 49% lower. Harrisburg has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Harrisburg has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 31.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,758.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,699.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 766.2 | 910.3 | -144.1 |
| Murder Rate | 30.0 | 16.9 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 46.1 | +7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 164.1 | 273.2 | -109.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 572.5 | -58.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,992.6 | 4,548.2 | -2,555.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 334.1 | 319.0 | +15.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,172.4 | 3,223.6 | -2,051.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 486.2 | 1,005.6 | -519.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg or Philadelphia safer?
Harrisburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisburg has a violent crime rate of 766.2 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Harrisburg has lower violent crime.
About Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the Susquehanna River in the state's south-central region. Known for its historic State Capitol Building, it's a diverse city with a significant government employment sector. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 49,985, Harrisburg has a total crime rate of 2,758.8 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.