Is Milwaukee or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Milwaukee is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,135 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 24% lower. Milwaukee has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Milwaukee has a 41% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 2.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Milwaukee, WI
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Milwaukee | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,135.0 | 5,458.5 | -1,323.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,434.3 | 910.3 | +524.0 |
| Murder Rate | 23.9 | 16.9 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 46.1 | +22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 308.2 | 273.2 | +34.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,030.7 | 572.5 | +458.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,700.7 | 4,548.2 | -1,847.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 388.1 | 319.0 | +69.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,255.1 | 3,223.6 | -1,968.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,057.4 | 1,005.6 | +51.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee or Philadelphia safer?
Milwaukee is safer with a total crime rate of 4,135 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Milwaukee has a violent crime rate of 1,434.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, a city on Lake Michigan's western shore, boasts a rich brewing heritage and a diverse population. Its industrial past is evident in its architecture and strong community ties. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 560,416, Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 4,135.0 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.