Is Philadelphia or South Burlington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Burlington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 5/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,620 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 15% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 72.7x 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
South Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
South Burlington, VT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | South Burlington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,619.7 | +838.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 234.7 | +675.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 14.1 | +32.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 28.2 | +245.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 192.5 | +380.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 4,385.0 | +163.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 65.7 | +253.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 3,981.2 | -757.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 338.0 | +667.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or South Burlington safer?
South Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 4,620 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while South Burlington has 234.7. South Burlington 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 South Burlington, VT
South Burlington, Vermont, a city distinct from its namesake, is home to the University of Vermont Medical Center, a major employer. Situated east of Lake Champlain, it's a populous Chittenden County community. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 21,300, South Burlington has a total crime rate of 4,619.7 per 100,000 residents.