Is Philadelphia or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 89/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 89% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 54.2x 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
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 584.0 | +4,874.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 174.9 | +735.5 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 56.0 | -9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 7.0 | +266.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 111.9 | +460.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 409.2 | +4,139.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 45.5 | +273.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 293.8 | +2,929.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 69.9 | +935.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield 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 Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.