Is Newton or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newton is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 87/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 648 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 88% lower. Newton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Newton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 17.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newton, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newton | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 648.3 | 5,458.5 | -4,810.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 48.9 | 910.3 | -861.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 10.0 | 46.1 | -36.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 1.1 | 273.2 | -272.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 37.8 | 572.5 | -534.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 599.3 | 4,548.2 | -3,948.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.4 | 319.0 | -255.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 501.5 | 3,223.6 | -2,722.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 34.5 | 1,005.6 | -971.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton or Philadelphia safer?
Newton is safer with a total crime rate of 648 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newton has a violent crime rate of 48.9 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Newton has lower violent crime.
About Newton, MA
Newton, a suburban city in Middlesex County, is home to Boston College. Known for its distinct "villages," it's one of Massachusetts' wealthiest communities. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 89,935, Newton has a total crime rate of 648.3 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.