Is Philadelphia or Washington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Washington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 32/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,337 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 57% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Washington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 114.6x 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
Washington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Washington, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,337.1 | +3,121.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 695.2 | +215.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 29.6 | +16.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 147.9 | +125.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 517.7 | +54.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,641.9 | +2,906.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 266.3 | +52.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,161.2 | +2,062.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 214.5 | +791.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Washington safer?
Washington is safer with a total crime rate of 2,337 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Washington has 695.2. Washington 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, PA
Washington, PA, a county seat in Southwestern Pennsylvania, was founded in 1781. The city is home to Washington & Jefferson College and lies along Interstate 70, just south of Pittsburgh. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 13,521, Washington has a total crime rate of 2,337.1 per 100,000 residents.