Is Ottumwa or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ottumwa is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 19/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,014 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 45% lower. Ottumwa has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ottumwa has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 61.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ottumwa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ottumwa, IA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ottumwa | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,013.7 | 5,458.5 | -2,444.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 397.1 | 910.3 | -513.3 |
| Murder Rate | 7.9 | 16.9 | -9.0 |
| Rape Rate | 83.4 | 46.1 | +37.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.8 | 273.2 | -245.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 277.9 | 572.5 | -294.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,616.6 | 4,548.2 | -1,931.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 428.8 | 319.0 | +109.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,945.6 | 3,223.6 | -1,278.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 242.2 | 1,005.6 | -763.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottumwa or Philadelphia safer?
Ottumwa is safer with a total crime rate of 3,014 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ottumwa has a violent crime rate of 397.1 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Ottumwa has lower violent crime.
About Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa, once a prominent coal mining center and home to the Beach Ottumwa water park, is a city in Wapello County, Iowa, situated along the Des Moines River. Its population was around 25,000 residents in 2020. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 25,185, Ottumwa has a total crime rate of 3,013.7 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.