Is Lancaster or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 43/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 65% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 27.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,914.2 | 5,458.5 | -3,544.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.3 | 910.3 | -448.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 16.9 | -13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 31.6 | 46.1 | -14.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.1 | 273.2 | -245.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 397.3 | 572.5 | -175.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,451.9 | 4,548.2 | -3,096.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.2 | 319.0 | -211.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,181.2 | 3,223.6 | -2,042.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 163.5 | 1,005.6 | -842.1 |
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 1,914 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 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.