Is Merriam or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Merriam (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 6,022 for Merriam — 9% lower. Merriam has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Merriam has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 143.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Merriam — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merriam, KS
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Merriam | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,021.9 | 5,458.5 | +563.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.4 | 910.3 | -474.9 |
| Murder Rate | 9.3 | 16.9 | -7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 74.1 | 46.1 | +28.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.5 | 273.2 | -254.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 333.5 | 572.5 | -239.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,586.4 | 4,548.2 | +1,038.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.0 | 319.0 | -4.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,261.6 | 3,223.6 | +1,038.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,009.8 | 1,005.6 | +4.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merriam or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 6,022 for Merriam — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Merriam has a violent crime rate of 435.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Merriam has lower violent crime.
About Merriam, KS
Merriam, Kansas, a first-tier suburb of Kansas City, was once home to Merriam Park, a popular late 19th-century amusement park. Today, this city in Johnson County is known for its diverse housing stock and proximity to major highways. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 10,794, Merriam has a total crime rate of 6,021.9 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.