Is Huntsville or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntsville is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 47% lower. Huntsville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Huntsville has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 6.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Huntsville — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntsville, AL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Huntsville | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,871.9 | 5,458.5 | -2,586.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.6 | 910.3 | -426.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.3 | 16.9 | -8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 46.1 | +2.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 53.8 | 273.2 | -219.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 372.6 | 572.5 | -199.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,388.3 | 4,548.2 | -2,159.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 321.4 | 319.0 | +2.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,808.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,414.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 258.0 | 1,005.6 | -747.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntsville or Philadelphia safer?
Huntsville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,872 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Huntsville has a violent crime rate of 483.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Huntsville has lower violent crime.
About Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, Alabama, a city rooted in aerospace since the Space Race, sits in the Appalachian foothills. It's a growing tech hub with a significant population of highly educated professionals. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 228,697, Huntsville has a total crime rate of 2,871.9 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.