Is Knoxville or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 13/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 37% lower. Knoxville has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Knoxville has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 7.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Knoxville, TN
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Knoxville | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,461.6 | 5,458.5 | -1,996.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 740.3 | 910.3 | -170.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 16.9 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 64.9 | 46.1 | +18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.8 | 273.2 | -191.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 582.7 | 572.5 | +10.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,721.3 | 4,548.2 | -1,826.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 328.8 | 319.0 | +9.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,013.9 | 3,223.6 | -1,209.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.6 | 1,005.6 | -627.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville or Philadelphia safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 740.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Knoxville has lower violent crime.
About Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is a city of just under 200,000 residents. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of the Everly Brothers. The Tennessee River flows along its downtown, a reminder of its historical role in trade and industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 200,457, Knoxville has a total crime rate of 3,461.6 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.