Is Lafayette or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 61/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 75% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 62.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,347.6 | 5,458.5 | -4,110.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 80.2 | 910.3 | -830.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 46.1 | -46.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.1 | 273.2 | -233.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 40.1 | 572.5 | -532.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,267.4 | 4,548.2 | -3,280.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 104.3 | 319.0 | -214.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,102.9 | 3,223.6 | -2,120.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.2 | 1,005.6 | -945.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or Philadelphia safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 80.2 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
About Lafayette, CA
Nestled in the East Bay hills, Lafayette is a suburban community known for its top-rated schools and the annual "Reservoir Run." This affluent town, largely composed of families and commuters, offers a peaceful, tree-lined environment. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 24,934, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 1,347.6 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.