Is Philadelphia or San Francisco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Francisco is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 5/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,526 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 San Francisco has a 74% lower rate.
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Francisco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
San Francisco, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,525.6 | +932.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 596.5 | +313.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 4.4 | +12.6 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 34.9 | +11.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 267.2 | +6.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 290.1 | +282.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,929.1 | +619.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 637.5 | -318.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,618.9 | +604.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 672.7 | +332.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or San Francisco safer?
San Francisco is safer with a total crime rate of 4,526 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 San Francisco has 596.5. San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, a vibrant Northern California port city renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, spans a hilly peninsula. Home to a diverse population of nearly 850,000, it was a pivotal center of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 802,856, San Francisco has a total crime rate of 4,525.6 per 100,000 residents.