Is Owensboro or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Owensboro is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 15/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,266 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 40% lower. Owensboro has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Owensboro has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 25.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Owensboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Owensboro, KY
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Owensboro | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,266.4 | 5,458.5 | -2,192.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 349.4 | 910.3 | -560.9 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 16.9 | -15.3 |
| Rape Rate | 78.2 | 46.1 | +32.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.9 | 273.2 | -228.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 224.6 | 572.5 | -347.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,917.0 | 4,548.2 | -1,631.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 337.8 | 319.0 | +18.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,258.1 | 3,223.6 | -965.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 321.2 | 1,005.6 | -684.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owensboro or Philadelphia safer?
Owensboro is safer with a total crime rate of 3,266 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Owensboro has a violent crime rate of 349.4 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Owensboro has lower violent crime.
About Owensboro, KY
Owensboro, Kentucky, known for its International Bluegrass Music Museum, sits on the Ohio River. This Daviess County seat is the fourth-largest city by population in the state. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 60,096, Owensboro has a total crime rate of 3,266.4 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.