Is Philadelphia or Schenectady Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Schenectady is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 10/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 31% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Schenectady has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 22.6x 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
Schenectady — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Schenectady, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Schenectady | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 3,775.0 | +1,683.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 645.7 | +264.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 10.2 | +6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 56.8 | -10.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 100.6 | +172.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 478.1 | +94.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,129.3 | +1,418.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 400.8 | -81.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,508.4 | +715.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 220.1 | +785.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Schenectady safer?
Schenectady is safer with a total crime rate of 3,775 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Schenectady has 645.7. Schenectady 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 Schenectady, NY
Schenectady, once home to General Electric, sits on the Mohawk River in eastern New York. This city, with a diverse population, is part of the Capital Region. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 68,610, Schenectady has a total crime rate of 3,775.0 per 100,000 residents.