Is Philadelphia or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rapid City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 6/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,516 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 17% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rapid City has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 19.1x 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
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,516.0 | +942.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 723.8 | +186.5 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 6.2 | +10.7 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 135.9 | -89.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 103.8 | +169.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 473.1 | +99.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,792.1 | +756.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 427.4 | -108.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,986.8 | +236.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 378.0 | +627.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Rapid City safer?
Rapid City is safer with a total crime rate of 4,516 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. Rapid City 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 Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, nestled at the foot of the Black Hills, is a gateway to Mount Rushmore. This city in western South Dakota has a population of over 78,000, making it the second largest in the state. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 80,957, Rapid City has a total crime rate of 4,516.0 per 100,000 residents.