Is Philadelphia or Washington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Washington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 6/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,514 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 17% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Philadelphia has a 38% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Washington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Washington, DC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,513.9 | +944.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 925.9 | -15.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 25.5 | -8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 34.0 | +12.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 438.6 | -165.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 427.8 | +144.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,588.0 | +960.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 238.0 | +81.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,594.5 | +629.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 755.6 | +250.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Washington safer?
Washington is safer with a total crime rate of 4,514 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Washington has 925.9. Philadelphia 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 Washington, DC
The Washington Metropolitan Area, encompassing the District of Columbia and parts of surrounding states, is the political heart of the United States. Home to federal institutions and national monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, it has a diverse population exceeding 6 million, with a significant proportion of government employees. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 702,250, Washington has a total crime rate of 4,513.9 per 100,000 residents.