Is Parkersburg or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Parkersburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 13/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,481 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 36% lower. Parkersburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Parkersburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 53.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Parkersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Parkersburg, WV
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Parkersburg | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,480.8 | 5,458.5 | -1,977.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.8 | 910.3 | -646.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 65.9 | 46.1 | +19.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.8 | 273.2 | -252.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 173.5 | 572.5 | -399.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,217.1 | 4,548.2 | -1,331.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 315.8 | 319.0 | -3.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,720.8 | 3,223.6 | -502.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 180.5 | 1,005.6 | -825.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkersburg or Philadelphia safer?
Parkersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 3,481 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Parkersburg has a violent crime rate of 263.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Parkersburg has lower violent crime.
About Parkersburg, WV
Parkersburg, a city in Wood County, sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. Once a key stop on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, it has a dwindling population of just under 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 28,815, Parkersburg has a total crime rate of 3,480.8 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.