Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Cruz is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 17/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 43% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Cruz has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 25.3x 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
Santa Cruz — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Santa Cruz, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Santa Cruz | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 3,128.2 | +2,330.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 612.9 | +297.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 4.9 | +12.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 42.4 | +3.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 102.7 | +170.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 463.0 | +109.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,515.2 | +2,032.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 135.3 | +183.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,221.8 | +1,001.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 158.1 | +847.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Santa Cruz safer?
Santa Cruz is safer with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Santa Cruz has 612.9. Santa Cruz 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 Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, California, a coastal city known for its historic Beach Boardwalk, sits on Monterey Bay. It's home to a significant student population, including the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 61,346, Santa Cruz has a total crime rate of 3,128.2 per 100,000 residents.