Is Northampton or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northampton is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 49/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 69% lower. Northampton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Northampton has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 51.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Northampton, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Northampton | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,717.2 | 5,458.5 | -3,741.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 445.1 | 910.3 | -465.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 16.9 | -13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 63.1 | 46.1 | +17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 13.3 | 273.2 | -259.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 365.4 | 572.5 | -207.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,272.1 | 4,548.2 | -3,276.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 162.8 | 319.0 | -156.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,069.5 | 3,223.6 | -2,154.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 39.9 | 1,005.6 | -965.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northampton or Philadelphia safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Northampton has a violent crime rate of 445.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Northampton has lower violent crime.
About Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 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.