Is Orangeburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Orangeburg (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 7,455 for Orangeburg — 27% lower. Orangeburg has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Philadelphia has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 116.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Orangeburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Orangeburg, SC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Orangeburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 7,455.0 | 5,458.5 | +1,996.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,246.3 | 910.3 | +335.9 |
| Murder Rate | 30.0 | 16.9 | +13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 22.5 | 46.1 | -23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.7 | 273.2 | -85.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,006.0 | 572.5 | +433.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 6,208.7 | 4,548.2 | +1,660.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 1,111.1 | 319.0 | +792.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,557.1 | 3,223.6 | +1,333.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 540.5 | 1,005.6 | -465.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orangeburg or Philadelphia safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 7,455 for Orangeburg — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Orangeburg has a violent crime rate of 1,246.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia has lower violent crime.
About Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg, SC, "The Garden City," is home to two historically Black colleges. Located along the Edisto River, it is the county seat of Orangeburg County. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 13,320, Orangeburg has a total crime rate of 7,455.0 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.