Is Laurel or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laurel is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,255 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 4% lower. Laurel has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laurel has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 53.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel, MD
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laurel | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,255.2 | 5,458.5 | -203.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.7 | 910.3 | -516.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.9 | 16.9 | -10.1 |
| Rape Rate | 24.0 | 46.1 | -22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.1 | 273.2 | -143.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 232.8 | 572.5 | -339.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,861.5 | 4,548.2 | +313.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 198.6 | 319.0 | -120.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,752.3 | 3,223.6 | +528.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 910.7 | 1,005.6 | -94.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel or Philadelphia safer?
Laurel is safer with a total crime rate of 5,255 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 393.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Laurel has lower violent crime.
About Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 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.