Is Lancaster or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 54% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 37.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, OH
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,530.8 | 5,458.5 | -2,927.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 405.4 | 910.3 | -504.9 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 16.9 | -4.9 |
| Rape Rate | 86.4 | 46.1 | +40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.8 | 273.2 | -256.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 290.3 | 572.5 | -282.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,125.4 | 4,548.2 | -2,422.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.3 | 319.0 | -124.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,808.7 | 3,223.6 | -1,414.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 122.3 | 1,005.6 | -883.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster or Philadelphia safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 405.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, OH
Lancaster, Ohio, founded in 1800, is a city in Fairfield County known for being the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Situated along the Hocking River, its population hovers around 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 41,687, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 2,530.8 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.