Is Philadelphia or Waterbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterbury is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 16/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 41% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Waterbury has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 13.4x 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
Waterbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Waterbury, CT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Waterbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 3,241.1 | +2,217.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 322.5 | +587.9 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 6.9 | +10.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 44.2 | +1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 104.9 | +168.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 166.4 | +406.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,918.6 | +1,629.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 229.7 | +89.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,054.4 | +1,169.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 634.5 | +371.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Waterbury safer?
Waterbury is safer with a total crime rate of 3,241 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Waterbury has 322.5. Waterbury 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 Waterbury, CT
Waterbury, once a brass manufacturing hub, is a city in New Haven County. Situated on the Naugatuck River, it's home to a diverse population and distinct neighborhoods. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 115,363, Waterbury has a total crime rate of 3,241.1 per 100,000 residents.