Is Philadelphia or South Milwaukee Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Milwaukee is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 58/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,457 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 73% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where South Milwaukee has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 76.8x 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 Milwaukee — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
South Milwaukee, WI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | South Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,457.0 | +4,001.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 158.6 | +751.7 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 5.0 | +12.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 19.8 | +26.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 19.8 | +253.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 114.0 | +458.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,298.4 | +3,249.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 44.6 | +274.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,189.4 | +2,034.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 64.4 | +941.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or South Milwaukee safer?
South Milwaukee is safer with a total crime rate of 1,457 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while South Milwaukee has 158.6. South Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee, hugging Lake Michigan, developed around Bucyrus International, a major manufacturer. This city of roughly 20,000 residents is just south of Milwaukee proper. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 20,178, South Milwaukee has a total crime rate of 1,457.0 per 100,000 residents.