Is Philadelphia or Riverside Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Riverside is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 14/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,422 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 37% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Riverside has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 4.8x 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
Riverside — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Riverside, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Riverside | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 3,422.5 | +2,036.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 590.4 | +320.0 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 3.1 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 54.0 | -8.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 120.3 | +153.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 412.3 | +160.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,832.1 | +1,716.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 396.1 | -77.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,984.4 | +1,239.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 451.7 | +553.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Riverside safer?
Riverside is safer with a total crime rate of 3,422 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Riverside has 590.4. Riverside 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 Riverside, CA
Riverside, California, the birthplace of the California citrus industry, is a sprawling city in the Inland Empire. It lies along the Santa Ana River, home to over 300,000 residents, a diverse population including a large Hispanic demographic. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 320,148, Riverside has a total crime rate of 3,422.5 per 100,000 residents.