Is Petaluma or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Petaluma is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 59/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,445 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 74% lower. Petaluma has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Petaluma has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 26.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Petaluma, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Petaluma | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,444.6 | 5,458.5 | -4,013.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 271.8 | 910.3 | -638.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 44.5 | 46.1 | -1.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.5 | 273.2 | -228.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 182.9 | 572.5 | -389.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,172.8 | 4,548.2 | -3,375.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.7 | 319.0 | -223.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 976.2 | 3,223.6 | -2,247.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 100.9 | 1,005.6 | -904.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petaluma or Philadelphia safer?
Petaluma is safer with a total crime rate of 1,445 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Petaluma has a violent crime rate of 271.8 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Petaluma has lower violent crime.
About Petaluma, CA
Nestled in Sonoma County, Petaluma is a historic dairy town known for its well-preserved iron-front buildings and a population of around 60,000. It straddles the Petaluma River, flowing into San Pablo Bay. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 58,493, Petaluma has a total crime rate of 1,444.6 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.