Is Key West or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Key West is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 52% lower. Key West has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 62.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Key West — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Key West, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Key West | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,611.7 | 5,458.5 | -2,846.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 352.3 | 910.3 | -558.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 52.6 | 46.1 | +6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 32.4 | 273.2 | -240.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 267.2 | 572.5 | -305.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,259.4 | 4,548.2 | -2,288.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 319.0 | -104.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,988.1 | 3,223.6 | -1,235.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.7 | 1,005.6 | -948.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Key West or Philadelphia safer?
Key West is safer with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Key West has a violent crime rate of 352.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Key West has lower violent crime.
About Key West, FL
Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 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.