Is La Mesa or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, La Mesa is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 47/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 67% lower. La Mesa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where La Mesa has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 25.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
La Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
La Mesa, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | La Mesa | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,794.5 | 5,458.5 | -3,664.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 415.9 | 910.3 | -494.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 16.9 | -10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 13.3 | 46.1 | -32.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 82.9 | 273.2 | -190.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 313.2 | 572.5 | -259.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,378.6 | 4,548.2 | -3,169.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 220.4 | 319.0 | -98.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 896.4 | 3,223.6 | -2,327.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 261.8 | 1,005.6 | -743.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Mesa or Philadelphia safer?
La Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
La Mesa has a violent crime rate of 415.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. La Mesa has lower violent crime.
About La Mesa, CA
La Mesa, "The Jewel of the Hills," is a city in San Diego County. Once home to a major stagecoach stop, it sits east of downtown San Diego, with a population exceeding 60,000. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 60,352, La Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,794.5 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.