Is Philadelphia or Van Buren Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren Township is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 31/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 56% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 52.4x 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 Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Van Buren Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Van Buren Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,396.0 | +3,062.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 327.8 | +582.5 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 40.6 | +5.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 0.0 | +273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 287.3 | +285.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,068.2 | +2,480.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 138.6 | +180.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,696.5 | +1,527.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 233.2 | +772.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Van Buren Township safer?
Van Buren Township is safer with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Van Buren Township has 327.8. Van Buren Township 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 Township, MI
Van Buren Township, Michigan, named for President Martin Van Buren, is a diverse community in Wayne County. Situated southwest of Detroit, it encompasses Belleville Lake and boasts a significant industrial presence alongside residential areas. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 29,591, Van Buren Township has a total crime rate of 2,396.0 per 100,000 residents.