Is Philadelphia or South Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Philadelphia is safer than South Charleston (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100,000 versus 6,009 for South Charleston — 9% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Charleston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 118.3x 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
South Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
South Charleston, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | South Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 6,008.6 | -550.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 488.6 | +421.7 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 22.9 | +23.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 22.9 | +250.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 442.8 | +129.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 5,519.9 | -971.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 282.5 | +36.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 5,061.8 | -1,838.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 175.6 | +830.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or South Charleston safer?
Philadelphia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,458 per 100K vs 6,009 for South Charleston — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while South Charleston has 488.6. South Charleston 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 Charleston, WV
South Charleston, a Kanawha Valley city, is home to the Mound, an ancient Adena burial site. Situated along the Kanawha River, it has historically been a hub for chemical manufacturing. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 13,098, South Charleston has a total crime rate of 6,008.6 per 100,000 residents.