Is New Canaan or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Canaan is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 82/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 787 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 86% lower. New Canaan has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where New Canaan has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 73.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Canaan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Canaan, CT
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Canaan | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 786.7 | 5,458.5 | -4,671.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 9.5 | 910.3 | -900.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 4.8 | 46.1 | -41.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 273.2 | -273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 4.8 | 572.5 | -567.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 777.2 | 4,548.2 | -3,771.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 76.3 | 319.0 | -242.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 510.2 | 3,223.6 | -2,713.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 190.7 | 1,005.6 | -814.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Canaan or Philadelphia safer?
New Canaan is safer with a total crime rate of 787 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Canaan has a violent crime rate of 9.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. New Canaan has lower violent crime.
About New Canaan, CT
New Canaan, a wealthy Fairfield County suburb, is known for its mid-century modern architecture. Situated near the Merritt Parkway, its affluent residents enjoy a quiet, tree-lined environment. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 20,973, New Canaan has a total crime rate of 786.7 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.