Is Lackawanna or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lackawanna is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 64% lower. Lackawanna has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lackawanna has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 79.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lackawanna — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lackawanna, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lackawanna | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,955.5 | 5,458.5 | -3,503.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 395.2 | 910.3 | -515.1 |
| Murder Rate | 5.1 | 16.9 | -11.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.2 | 46.1 | +0.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 273.2 | -232.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 302.8 | 572.5 | -269.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,560.3 | 4,548.2 | -2,987.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.8 | 319.0 | -134.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,190.7 | 3,223.6 | -2,032.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 184.8 | 1,005.6 | -820.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lackawanna or Philadelphia safer?
Lackawanna is safer with a total crime rate of 1,955 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lackawanna has a violent crime rate of 395.2 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lackawanna has lower violent crime.
About Lackawanna, NY
Lackawanna, NY, historically a steel town, sits on Lake Erie just south of Buffalo. Its population is diverse, with a significant Arab-American community. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 19,484, Lackawanna has a total crime rate of 1,955.5 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.