Is Modesto or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Modesto is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 18/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 44% lower. Modesto has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Modesto has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 7.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Modesto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Modesto, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Modesto | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,070.5 | 5,458.5 | -2,388.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.7 | 910.3 | -254.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 16.9 | -13.7 |
| Rape Rate | 56.2 | 46.1 | +10.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.3 | 273.2 | -160.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 483.1 | 572.5 | -89.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,414.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,133.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.1 | 319.0 | -51.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,818.8 | 3,223.6 | -1,404.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 328.8 | 1,005.6 | -676.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modesto or Philadelphia safer?
Modesto is safer with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Modesto has a violent crime rate of 655.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Modesto has lower violent crime.
About Modesto, CA
Modesto, seat of Stanislaus County, is known for its agricultural roots and as the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas. Situated in California's Central Valley, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 218,990, Modesto has a total crime rate of 3,070.5 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.