Is New Bedford or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bedford is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 49/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 69% lower. New Bedford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Bedford has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 15.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bedford, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bedford | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,712.4 | 5,458.5 | -3,746.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 353.2 | 910.3 | -557.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 16.9 | -10.1 |
| Rape Rate | 43.9 | 46.1 | -2.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.1 | 273.2 | -195.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.4 | 572.5 | -348.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,359.1 | 4,548.2 | -3,189.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.4 | 319.0 | -134.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 930.8 | 3,223.6 | -2,292.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 243.9 | 1,005.6 | -761.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bedford or Philadelphia safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bedford has a violent crime rate of 353.2 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. New Bedford has lower violent crime.
About New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 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.