Is Medford or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 61/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 75% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 26.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 5,458.5 | -4,079.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 910.3 | -730.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 46.1 | -24.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 273.2 | -249.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 572.5 | -438.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 4,548.2 | -3,348.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 319.0 | -241.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 3,223.6 | -2,216.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 1,005.6 | -889.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Philadelphia safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.