Is Ithaca or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ithaca is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,412 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 37% lower. Ithaca has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ithaca has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 46.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ithaca — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ithaca, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ithaca | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,412.0 | 5,458.5 | -2,046.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 196.2 | 910.3 | -714.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.0 | 16.9 | -13.9 |
| Rape Rate | 17.8 | 46.1 | -28.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.6 | 273.2 | -225.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 127.8 | 572.5 | -444.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,215.8 | 4,548.2 | -1,332.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 329.9 | 319.0 | +10.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,838.4 | 3,223.6 | -385.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.6 | 1,005.6 | -958.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ithaca or Philadelphia safer?
Ithaca is safer with a total crime rate of 3,412 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ithaca has a violent crime rate of 196.2 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Ithaca has lower violent crime.
About Ithaca, NY
Ithaca, home to Cornell University, is a city nestled in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. Its dramatic gorges and waterfalls are a defining geographic feature, and its population is relatively young due to the presence of two colleges. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 33,646, Ithaca has a total crime rate of 3,412.0 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.