Is Normal or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Normal is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 66% lower. Normal has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Normal has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 29.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Normal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Normal, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Normal | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,879.3 | 5,458.5 | -3,579.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 329.1 | 910.3 | -581.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.8 | 16.9 | -13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 95.1 | 46.1 | +49.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.2 | 273.2 | -258.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 214.9 | 572.5 | -357.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,550.2 | 4,548.2 | -2,997.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.1 | 319.0 | -86.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,232.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,991.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.6 | 1,005.6 | -920.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Normal or Philadelphia safer?
Normal is safer with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Normal has a violent crime rate of 329.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Normal has lower violent crime.
About Normal, IL
Normal, Illinois, home to Illinois State University, is a college town in McLean County. Situated in central Illinois, its population is around 55,000. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 52,573, Normal has a total crime rate of 1,879.3 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.