Is Philadelphia or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Portland (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 6,247 for Portland — 13% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portland has a 36% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 2.5x 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
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 6,246.7 | -788.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 720.5 | +189.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 10.8 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 50.9 | -4.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 177.4 | +95.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 481.2 | +91.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 5,526.2 | -978.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 727.4 | -408.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 3,921.3 | -697.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 877.6 | +128.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Portland safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 6,247 for Portland — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Portland has 720.5. Portland 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.