Is New Kensington or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Kensington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,857 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 48% lower. New Kensington has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Kensington has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 130.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Kensington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Kensington, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Kensington | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,856.7 | 5,458.5 | -2,601.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 456.4 | 910.3 | -453.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 16.9 | -8.5 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 46.1 | -20.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 67.6 | 273.2 | -205.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 355.0 | 572.5 | -217.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,400.3 | 4,548.2 | -2,147.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 371.9 | 319.0 | +52.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,859.4 | 3,223.6 | -1,364.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 169.0 | 1,005.6 | -836.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Kensington or Philadelphia safer?
New Kensington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,857 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Kensington has a violent crime rate of 456.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. New Kensington has lower violent crime.
About New Kensington, PA
New Kensington, a former industrial hub along the Allegheny River, was once home to Alcoa's research facilities. Its population has steadily declined since its mid-20th century peak, reflecting broader trends in many Rust Belt communities. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 11,832, New Kensington has a total crime rate of 2,856.7 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.