Is Mesa or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 64% lower. Mesa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesa has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 5,458.5 | -3,510.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 910.3 | -427.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 16.9 | -14.2 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 46.1 | -1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 273.2 | -223.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 572.5 | -186.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 4,548.2 | -3,083.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 319.0 | -131.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 3,223.6 | -2,145.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 1,005.6 | -807.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Philadelphia safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Mesa has lower violent crime.
About Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, a sprawling Sonoran Desert city, is home to a significant proportion of the state's Mormon population, reflecting its early agricultural settlements. It's the most populous city in the East Valley, bordering Tempe to the west. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 513,585, Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,947.9 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.