Is Kansas City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Kansas City (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 6,224 for Kansas City — 12% lower. Kansas City has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Philadelphia has a 41% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kansas City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kansas City, MO
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kansas City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,224.4 | 5,458.5 | +765.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,547.4 | 910.3 | +637.1 |
| Murder Rate | 27.6 | 16.9 | +10.7 |
| Rape Rate | 74.7 | 46.1 | +28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 254.0 | 273.2 | -19.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,191.2 | 572.5 | +618.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,677.0 | 4,548.2 | +128.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 490.4 | 319.0 | +171.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,454.9 | 3,223.6 | -768.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,731.8 | 1,005.6 | +726.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 6,224 for Kansas City — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,547.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri, straddles the Missouri River and is known for its distinct barbecue style. It's the largest city in Missouri by population, with a diverse metropolitan area. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 511,437, Kansas City has a total crime rate of 6,224.4 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.