Is Lowell or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lowell is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 35/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 60% lower. Lowell has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lowell has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 13.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lowell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lowell, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lowell | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,195.4 | 5,458.5 | -3,263.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 532.5 | 910.3 | -377.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 16.9 | -12.6 |
| Rape Rate | 6.9 | 46.1 | -39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.9 | 273.2 | -216.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 464.4 | 572.5 | -108.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.9 | 4,548.2 | -2,885.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 149.9 | 319.0 | -169.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,309.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,914.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 203.3 | 1,005.6 | -802.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lowell or Philadelphia safer?
Lowell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lowell has a violent crime rate of 532.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lowell has lower violent crime.
About Lowell, MA
Lowell, a historic mill city on the Merrimack River, was a birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Its diverse population includes a significant Cambodian American community. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 116,062, Lowell has a total crime rate of 2,195.4 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.