Is Iowa City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 40/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 63% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 20.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 5,458.5 | -3,463.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 910.3 | -589.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 46.1 | +7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 273.2 | -223.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 572.5 | -355.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 4,548.2 | -2,874.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 319.0 | -162.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 3,223.6 | -1,834.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 1,005.6 | -877.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or Philadelphia safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Iowa City has lower violent crime.
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 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.