Is Philadelphia or South Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Houston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 47% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Houston has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 98.7x 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 Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
South Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | South Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,873.3 | +2,585.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 694.4 | +215.9 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 6.4 | +10.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 89.2 | -43.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 159.3 | +114.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 439.6 | +132.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,178.9 | +2,369.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 274.0 | +45.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,280.6 | +1,943.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 624.4 | +381.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or South Houston safer?
South Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,873 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while South Houston has 694.4. South Houston 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 Houston, TX
South Houston, once a separate city, is now a diverse community southeast of downtown Houston. Its history as a distinct municipality shaped its unique identity, and it remains a predominantly residential area. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 15,696, South Houston has a total crime rate of 2,873.3 per 100,000 residents.