Is Joplin or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joplin is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 5/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,681 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 14% lower. Joplin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joplin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 28.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Joplin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joplin, MO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joplin | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,681.2 | 5,458.5 | -777.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 560.4 | 910.3 | -349.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 89.7 | 46.1 | +43.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.3 | 273.2 | -220.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 418.4 | 572.5 | -154.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,120.8 | 4,548.2 | -427.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 416.6 | 319.0 | +97.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,298.9 | 3,223.6 | +75.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 405.4 | 1,005.6 | -600.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin or Philadelphia safer?
Joplin is safer with a total crime rate of 4,681 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joplin has a violent crime rate of 560.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Joplin has lower violent crime.
About Joplin, MO
Joplin, a city along historic Route 66, sits in Missouri's southwestern corner. Its economy has historically been tied to lead and zinc mining. The population is around 50,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 53,533, Joplin has a total crime rate of 4,681.2 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.