Is Philadelphia or Pittsburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburg is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 52% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pittsburg has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 20.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburg, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Pittsburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,609.1 | +2,849.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 460.2 | +450.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 2.6 | +14.3 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 37.0 | +9.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 112.4 | +160.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 308.1 | +264.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,148.9 | +2,399.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 321.3 | -2.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,024.9 | +2,198.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 802.7 | +202.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Pittsburg safer?
Pittsburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Pittsburg has 460.2. Pittsburg has lower violent crime.
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.
About Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg, California, once a thriving fishing port, sits on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This diverse East Bay city has a population of over 76,000, with a significant Hispanic and Latino presence. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 75,621, Pittsburg has a total crime rate of 2,609.1 per 100,000 residents.