Is Lawrence or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawrence is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 59/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,439 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 74% lower. Lawrence has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lawrence has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 17.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lawrence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawrence, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lawrence | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,438.6 | 5,458.5 | -4,019.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 439.7 | 910.3 | -470.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 16.9 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 31.3 | 46.1 | -14.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.5 | 273.2 | -220.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 348.2 | 572.5 | -224.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 998.9 | 4,548.2 | -3,549.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 72.5 | 319.0 | -246.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 851.6 | 3,223.6 | -2,372.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 74.8 | 1,005.6 | -930.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawrence or Philadelphia safer?
Lawrence is safer with a total crime rate of 1,439 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 439.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lawrence has lower violent crime.
About Lawrence, MA
Lawrence, a Merrimack Valley city, was once a thriving textile hub, home to the historic Bread and Roses Strike. Today, it is a diverse community with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 89,600, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 1,438.6 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.