Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Barbara is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 29/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,459 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 55% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Barbara has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 18.1x 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
Santa Barbara — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Santa Barbara, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,459.3 | +2,999.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 649.5 | +260.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 82.8 | -36.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 74.6 | +198.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 490.9 | +81.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,809.7 | +2,738.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 170.3 | +148.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,441.3 | +1,782.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 198.2 | +807.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Santa Barbara safer?
Santa Barbara is safer with a total crime rate of 2,459 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Santa Barbara has 649.5. Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, CA
Nestled between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara boasts Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a Mediterranean climate. This affluent coastal city, home to UCSB, attracts tourists and residents alike with its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 85,758, Santa Barbara has a total crime rate of 2,459.3 per 100,000 residents.