Is Oakland or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 40% lower. Oakland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Philadelphia has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oakland | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,155.7 | 5,458.5 | +3,697.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,925.3 | 910.3 | +1,015.0 |
| Murder Rate | 18.6 | 16.9 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 68.0 | 46.1 | +22.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 680.4 | 273.2 | +407.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,158.3 | 572.5 | +585.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 7,230.3 | 4,548.2 | +2,682.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 786.8 | 319.0 | +467.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,164.7 | 3,223.6 | +941.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 2,278.9 | 1,005.6 | +1,273.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oakland has a violent crime rate of 1,925.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 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.