Is Philadelphia or Scranton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scranton is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 52/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,627 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 70% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Scranton has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 20.5x 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
Scranton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Scranton, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Scranton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,626.5 | +3,832.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 281.4 | +628.9 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 9.3 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 92.5 | -46.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 31.7 | +241.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 148.0 | +424.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,345.1 | +3,203.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 192.9 | +126.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,022.7 | +2,200.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 129.5 | +876.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Scranton safer?
Scranton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,627 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Scranton has 281.4. Scranton 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 Scranton, PA
Scranton, once a booming hub of the anthracite coal industry, is the largest city in northeastern Pennsylvania. Nestled in the Lackawanna River valley, its population is predominantly white, with a growing Hispanic community. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 75,683, Scranton has a total crime rate of 1,626.5 per 100,000 residents.