Is Johnston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 81/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 826 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 85% lower. Johnston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnston has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 62.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Johnston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnston, IA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Johnston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 826.0 | 5,458.5 | -4,632.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.6 | 910.3 | -833.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.0 | 16.9 | -12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 12.1 | 46.1 | -34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.1 | 273.2 | -265.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 52.4 | 572.5 | -520.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 749.4 | 4,548.2 | -3,798.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 76.6 | 319.0 | -242.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 527.8 | 3,223.6 | -2,695.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 145.1 | 1,005.6 | -860.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnston or Philadelphia safer?
Johnston is safer with a total crime rate of 826 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Johnston has a violent crime rate of 76.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Johnston has lower violent crime.
About Johnston, IA
Johnston, a Des Moines suburb, is home to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a major agricultural research company. Situated in Polk County, it boasts a growing population with a median age of around 38. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 24,819, Johnston has a total crime rate of 826.0 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.