Is Philadelphia or Van Buren Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 54% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren 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
Van Buren — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Van Buren, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Van Buren | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,519.8 | +2,938.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 474.5 | +435.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 49.1 | -3.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 16.4 | +256.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 409.1 | +163.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,045.3 | +2,502.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 580.9 | -261.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,362.2 | +1,861.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 102.3 | +903.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Van Buren safer?
Van Buren is safer with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Van Buren has 474.5. Van Buren 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 Van Buren, AR
Van Buren, Arkansas, a city of around 25,000 in Crawford County, sits on the Arkansas River's north bank. It's known for its historic downtown, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 24,446, Van Buren has a total crime rate of 2,519.8 per 100,000 residents.