Is Philadelphia or San Mateo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Mateo is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 37/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 61% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where San Mateo has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 15.5x 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
San Mateo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
San Mateo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | San Mateo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,126.5 | +3,332.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 243.2 | +667.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 5.0 | +11.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 26.0 | +20.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 74.1 | +199.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 138.1 | +434.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,883.3 | +2,664.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 98.1 | +220.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,578.1 | +1,645.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 207.2 | +798.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or San Mateo safer?
San Mateo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while San Mateo has 243.2. San Mateo 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 Mateo, CA
San Mateo, a city on the San Francisco Peninsula, was once home to the historic Borel Estate. Its diverse population of around 105,000 resides amidst a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 99,929, San Mateo has a total crime rate of 2,126.5 per 100,000 residents.