Is Philadelphia or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Marcos is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 52% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 21.3x 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
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,616.8 | +2,841.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 358.9 | +551.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 96.3 | -50.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 37.1 | +236.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 225.5 | +347.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,257.9 | +2,290.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 266.8 | +52.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,600.6 | +1,623.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 390.5 | +615.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or San Marcos safer?
San Marcos is safer with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos 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 Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.