Is Philadelphia or South Elgin Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Elgin is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 79/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 856 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 84% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Elgin has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 63.4x 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
South Elgin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
South Elgin, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | South Elgin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 855.9 | +4,602.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 188.4 | +721.9 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 53.2 | -7.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 8.2 | +265.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 127.0 | +445.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 667.5 | +3,880.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 90.1 | +228.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 495.5 | +2,728.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 81.9 | +923.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or South Elgin safer?
South Elgin is safer with a total crime rate of 856 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while South Elgin has 188.4. South Elgin 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 Elgin, IL
South Elgin, a village along the Fox River in Kane County, was once home to the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad's main shops. Its population of over 23,000 residents enjoys a mix of suburban development and natural areas. With a safety score of 79/100 and a population coverage of 24,420, South Elgin has a total crime rate of 855.9 per 100,000 residents.