Is Mcallen or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mcallen is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 41/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 64% lower. Mcallen has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mcallen has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 10.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mcallen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mcallen, TX
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mcallen | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,986.3 | 5,458.5 | -3,472.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 150.7 | 910.3 | -759.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 16.9 | -14.2 |
| Rape Rate | 39.2 | 46.1 | -6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.7 | 273.2 | -249.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 84.5 | 572.5 | -488.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,835.6 | 4,548.2 | -2,712.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.5 | 319.0 | -255.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.5 | 3,223.6 | -1,519.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 67.6 | 1,005.6 | -938.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mcallen or Philadelphia safer?
Mcallen is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mcallen has a violent crime rate of 150.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Mcallen has lower violent crime.
About Mcallen, TX
McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley, thrives as a major retail and medical hub. Its subtropical climate and proximity to the Mexican border, just south of Hidalgo, have historically shaped its unique cultural identity. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 148,017, Mcallen has a total crime rate of 1,986.3 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.