Is Johnstown or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnstown is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 16/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,221 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 41% lower. Johnstown has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnstown has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 77.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Johnstown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnstown, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Johnstown | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,220.7 | 5,458.5 | -2,237.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 586.5 | 910.3 | -323.8 |
| Murder Rate | 29.8 | 16.9 | +12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 49.7 | 46.1 | +3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 134.2 | 273.2 | -139.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 372.8 | 572.5 | -199.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,634.2 | 4,548.2 | -1,914.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 457.3 | 319.0 | +138.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,022.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,200.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 154.1 | 1,005.6 | -851.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnstown or Philadelphia safer?
Johnstown is safer with a total crime rate of 3,221 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Johnstown has a violent crime rate of 586.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Johnstown has lower violent crime.
About Johnstown, PA
Nestled in a flood-prone valley, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is a former industrial hub famous for the devastating 1889 flood. This small city in Cambria County reflects a lingering rust belt heritage. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 20,120, Johnstown has a total crime rate of 3,220.7 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.