Is Lower Merion Township or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lower Merion Township is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,870 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 66% lower. Lower Merion Township has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lower Merion Township has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 24.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lower Merion Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lower Merion Township, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lower Merion Township | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,869.7 | 5,458.5 | -3,588.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 71.6 | 910.3 | -838.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.1 | 16.9 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 1.6 | 46.1 | -44.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.2 | 273.2 | -253.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 46.7 | 572.5 | -525.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,798.1 | 4,548.2 | -2,750.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 73.1 | 319.0 | -245.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,549.2 | 3,223.6 | -1,674.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 175.8 | 1,005.6 | -829.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lower Merion Township or Philadelphia safer?
Lower Merion Township is safer with a total crime rate of 1,870 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lower Merion Township has a violent crime rate of 71.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Lower Merion Township has lower violent crime.
About Lower Merion Township, PA
Lower Merion Township, an affluent suburb west of Philadelphia, is home to Harriton House, a historic estate. Its diverse population enjoys tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 64,290, Lower Merion Township has a total crime rate of 1,869.7 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.
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