Is Lake Forest or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Forest is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 87/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 646 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 88% lower. Lake Forest has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 80.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lake Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lake Forest, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lake Forest | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 645.8 | 5,458.5 | -4,812.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 20.7 | 910.3 | -889.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 5.2 | 46.1 | -40.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 273.2 | -273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 15.5 | 572.5 | -557.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 625.1 | 4,548.2 | -3,923.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 206.6 | 319.0 | -112.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 361.6 | 3,223.6 | -2,862.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.8 | 1,005.6 | -948.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Forest or Philadelphia safer?
Lake Forest is safer with a total crime rate of 646 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lake Forest has a violent crime rate of 20.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lake Forest has lower violent crime.
About Lake Forest, IL
Nestled on Chicago's North Shore, Lake Forest is an affluent suburban community home to esteemed institutions like Lake Forest College. Its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, many dating back to the late 19th century, reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,357, Lake Forest has a total crime rate of 645.8 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.