Is Merced or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merced is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 12/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 34% lower. Merced has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Merced has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 16.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merced, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Merced | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,577.3 | 5,458.5 | -1,881.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 784.8 | 910.3 | -125.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 16.9 | -9.6 |
| Rape Rate | 103.0 | 46.1 | +57.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 166.5 | 273.2 | -106.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 507.9 | 572.5 | -64.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,792.6 | 4,548.2 | -1,755.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 569.3 | 319.0 | +250.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,738.2 | 3,223.6 | -1,485.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 485.0 | 1,005.6 | -520.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Philadelphia safer?
Merced is safer with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Merced has a violent crime rate of 784.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Merced has lower violent crime.
About Merced, CA
Merced, a Central Valley city known for its proximity to Yosemite, serves as a significant agricultural hub. This community, home to a University of California campus, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 96,077, Merced has a total crime rate of 3,577.3 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.