Is Philadelphia or Waco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waco is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 27/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 53% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waco has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 10.6x 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
Waco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Waco, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,552.1 | +2,906.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 425.9 | +484.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 5.5 | +11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 90.9 | -44.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 57.4 | +215.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 272.1 | +300.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,126.2 | +2,422.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 294.7 | +24.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,626.4 | +1,597.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 205.1 | +800.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Waco safer?
Waco is safer with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Waco has 425.9. Waco 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 Waco, TX
Waco, Texas, bisected by the Brazos River, is a Central Texas city with a diverse population of around 140,000. Home to Baylor University, it blends academic life with a rich history, including its past as a major cotton producer. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 146,270, Waco has a total crime rate of 2,552.1 per 100,000 residents.