Is Missoula or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Missoula is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,226 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 23% lower. Missoula has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Missoula has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 19.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula, MT
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Missoula | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,226.3 | 5,458.5 | -1,232.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 596.9 | 910.3 | -313.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 16.9 | -14.4 |
| Rape Rate | 106.5 | 46.1 | +60.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.6 | 273.2 | -227.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 442.3 | 572.5 | -130.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,629.4 | 4,548.2 | -918.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.2 | 319.0 | +4.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,108.6 | 3,223.6 | -115.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.7 | 1,005.6 | -807.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missoula or Philadelphia safer?
Missoula is safer with a total crime rate of 4,226 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Missoula has a violent crime rate of 596.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Missoula has lower violent crime.
About Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 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.