Is Philadelphia or Prospect Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Prospect Heights is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 83/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 747 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 86% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Prospect Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 102.5x 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
Prospect Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Prospect Heights, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Prospect Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 747.3 | +4,711.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 158.7 | +751.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 19.8 | +26.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 13.2 | +260.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 125.6 | +446.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 588.6 | +3,959.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 125.6 | +193.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 376.9 | +2,846.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 86.0 | +919.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Prospect Heights safer?
Prospect Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 747 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Prospect Heights has 158.7. Prospect Heights 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 Prospect Heights, IL
Prospect Heights, Illinois, a small city in Cook County, is home to Chicago Executive Airport, a significant regional general aviation hub. Its tree-lined streets and residential character reflect a suburban community that grew around its convenient transportation access. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 15,122, Prospect Heights has a total crime rate of 747.3 per 100,000 residents.