Is National City or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, National City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 52% lower. National City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where National City has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 28.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
National City, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | National City | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,635.0 | 5,458.5 | -2,823.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 695.6 | 910.3 | -214.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 16.9 | -9.6 |
| Rape Rate | 29.1 | 46.1 | -17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 222.2 | 273.2 | -51.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 437.0 | 572.5 | -135.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,939.4 | 4,548.2 | -2,608.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 242.2 | 319.0 | -76.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,039.8 | 3,223.6 | -2,183.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 657.4 | 1,005.6 | -348.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National City or Philadelphia safer?
National City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
National City has a violent crime rate of 695.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. National City has lower violent crime.
About National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 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.