Is Mason City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mason City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 27/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 53% lower. Mason City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mason City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 57.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mason City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mason City, IA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mason City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,546.1 | 5,458.5 | -2,912.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.0 | 910.3 | -686.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 100.8 | 46.1 | +54.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.9 | 273.2 | -258.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 572.5 | -464.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,322.1 | 4,548.2 | -2,226.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 313.6 | 319.0 | -5.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,937.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,286.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 70.9 | 1,005.6 | -934.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mason City or Philadelphia safer?
Mason City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mason City has a violent crime rate of 224.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Mason City has lower violent crime.
About Mason City, IA
Mason City, Iowa, a regional hub in north-central Iowa, is known for its Prairie School architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house. Its population of around 27,000 resides amidst fertile agricultural land. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 26,786, Mason City has a total crime rate of 2,546.1 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.