Is Myrtle Beach or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 19% lower. Myrtle Beach has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Myrtle Beach has a 37% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 37.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Myrtle Beach, SC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Myrtle Beach | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,767.1 | 5,458.5 | +1,308.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,111.6 | 910.3 | +201.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.2 | 16.9 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 185.3 | 46.1 | +139.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 173.1 | 273.2 | -100.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 741.1 | 572.5 | +168.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,655.5 | 4,548.2 | +1,107.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 446.1 | 319.0 | +127.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,814.5 | 3,223.6 | +1,590.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.9 | 1,005.6 | -610.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrtle Beach or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Myrtle Beach has a violent crime rate of 1,111.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 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.