Is Independence or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Independence is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,096 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 25% lower. Independence has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Independence has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 12.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Independence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Independence, MO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Independence | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,095.8 | 5,458.5 | -1,362.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 572.0 | 910.3 | -338.3 |
| Murder Rate | 9.2 | 16.9 | -7.8 |
| Rape Rate | 89.8 | 46.1 | +43.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.7 | 273.2 | -197.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 396.6 | 572.5 | -175.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,523.7 | 4,548.2 | -1,024.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 407.4 | 319.0 | +88.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,301.5 | 3,223.6 | -922.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 814.8 | 1,005.6 | -190.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Independence or Philadelphia safer?
Independence is safer with a total crime rate of 4,096 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Independence has a violent crime rate of 572.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Independence has lower violent crime.
About Independence, MO
Independence, Missouri, a city of about 120,000 residents, is historically significant as the starting point of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Located just east of Kansas City, it's a prominent suburb with a rich past. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 120,271, Independence has a total crime rate of 4,095.8 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.