Is Needham or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 85/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 87% lower. Needham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 47.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Needham, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Needham | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 698.6 | 5,458.5 | -4,759.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.9 | 910.3 | -858.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 12.2 | 46.1 | -33.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 273.2 | -273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 39.7 | 572.5 | -532.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 646.8 | 4,548.2 | -3,901.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 73.2 | 319.0 | -245.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 536.9 | 3,223.6 | -2,686.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 36.6 | 1,005.6 | -969.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Needham or Philadelphia safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Needham has a violent crime rate of 51.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Needham has lower violent crime.
About Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 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.