Is Ottawa or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ottawa is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 50/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 69% lower. Ottawa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ottawa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 82.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ottawa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ottawa, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ottawa | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,682.5 | 5,458.5 | -3,776.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 187.0 | 910.3 | -723.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 64.1 | 46.1 | +18.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.3 | 273.2 | -267.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 117.5 | 572.5 | -455.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,495.6 | 4,548.2 | -3,052.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 288.4 | 319.0 | -30.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,116.3 | 3,223.6 | -2,107.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 90.8 | 1,005.6 | -914.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa or Philadelphia safer?
Ottawa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ottawa has a violent crime rate of 187.0 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Ottawa has lower violent crime.
About Ottawa, IL
Ottawa, Illinois, nestled at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers, was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. This LaSalle County seat has a population of around 18,000. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 18,722, Ottawa has a total crime rate of 1,682.5 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.