Is Philadelphia or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 2% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Monica has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 17.4x 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 Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 5,572.9 | -114.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 782.5 | +127.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 4.5 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 72.0 | -25.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 202.4 | +70.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 499.2 | +73.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 4,790.4 | -242.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 848.8 | -529.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 3,382.9 | -159.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 558.8 | +446.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Santa Monica safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. Santa Monica 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 Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.