Is Morgantown or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Morgantown is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 36/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 60% lower. Morgantown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Morgantown has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 50.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Morgantown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Morgantown, WV
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Morgantown | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,173.1 | 5,458.5 | -3,285.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 213.0 | 910.3 | -697.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.1 | 16.9 | -3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 59.0 | 46.1 | +12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.7 | 273.2 | -253.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.0 | 572.5 | -454.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,960.0 | 4,548.2 | -2,588.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 114.7 | 319.0 | -204.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,809.2 | 3,223.6 | -1,414.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.1 | 1,005.6 | -969.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgantown or Philadelphia safer?
Morgantown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,173 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Morgantown has a violent crime rate of 213.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Morgantown has lower violent crime.
About Morgantown, WV
Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, is a city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains along the Monongahela River. Its population of roughly 30,000 is significantly boosted by its large student body, shaping a vibrant yet often transient community. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 30,510, Morgantown has a total crime rate of 2,173.1 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.