Is Madison or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Madison is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 95/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 421 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 92% lower. Madison has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Madison has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 93.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Madison — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Madison, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Madison | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 420.6 | 5,458.5 | -5,037.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 12.0 | 910.3 | -898.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 46.1 | -46.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.0 | 273.2 | -267.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 6.0 | 572.5 | -566.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 408.6 | 4,548.2 | -4,139.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 6.0 | 319.0 | -313.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 396.6 | 3,223.6 | -2,827.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 6.0 | 1,005.6 | -999.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Philadelphia safer?
Madison is safer with a total crime rate of 421 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 92% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Madison has a violent crime rate of 12.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Madison has lower violent crime.
About Madison, NJ
Madison, a borough in Morris County, is home to Drew University and its arboretum. This affluent community, with a median household income significantly above the state average, retains a charming downtown. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 16,643, Madison has a total crime rate of 420.6 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.