Is Newark or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newark is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 33/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,308 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 58% lower. Newark has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Newark has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 51.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newark — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newark, DE
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newark | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,307.7 | 5,458.5 | -3,150.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 309.7 | 910.3 | -600.6 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 16.9 | -13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 46.1 | -22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.3 | 273.2 | -249.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.7 | 572.5 | -312.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,998.0 | 4,548.2 | -2,550.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 179.8 | 319.0 | -139.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,611.7 | 3,223.6 | -1,611.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 206.5 | 1,005.6 | -799.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newark or Philadelphia safer?
Newark is safer with a total crime rate of 2,308 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newark has a violent crime rate of 309.7 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Newark has lower violent crime.
About Newark, DE
Newark, Delaware, home to the University of Delaware, is a college town situated in northern New Castle County. Its historic Main Street is a vibrant hub for students and residents. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 30,030, Newark has a total crime rate of 2,307.7 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.