Is Philadelphia or Pontiac Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pontiac is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 53/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 71% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pontiac has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 141.4x 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
Pontiac — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Pontiac, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Pontiac | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,597.0 | +3,861.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 237.3 | +673.0 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 109.5 | -63.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 0.0 | +273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 127.8 | +444.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,359.7 | +3,188.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 109.5 | +209.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,204.6 | +2,019.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 45.6 | +960.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Pontiac safer?
Pontiac is safer with a total crime rate of 1,597 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Pontiac has 237.3. Pontiac 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 Pontiac, IL
Pontiac, Illinois, the county seat of Livingston County, is a small city on the Vermilion River. It's home to several historic Route 66 attractions and has a population of around 11,000. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 10,958, Pontiac has a total crime rate of 1,597.0 per 100,000 residents.