Is Norristown Borough or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norristown Borough is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 30/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,413 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 56% lower. Norristown Borough has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Norristown Borough has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 43.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norristown Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norristown Borough, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norristown Borough | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,413.0 | 5,458.5 | -3,045.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 453.0 | 910.3 | -457.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 16.9 | -8.5 |
| Rape Rate | 19.6 | 46.1 | -26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 215.3 | 273.2 | -57.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 206.9 | 572.5 | -365.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,960.1 | 4,548.2 | -2,588.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 206.9 | 319.0 | -112.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,221.9 | 3,223.6 | -2,001.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 531.3 | 1,005.6 | -474.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norristown Borough or Philadelphia safer?
Norristown Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 2,413 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norristown Borough has a violent crime rate of 453.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Norristown Borough has lower violent crime.
About Norristown Borough, PA
Norristown, the Montgomery County seat, is a diverse borough along the Schuylkill River. It was once a major mill town and is home to a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 35,764, Norristown Borough has a total crime rate of 2,413.0 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.