Is Philadelphia or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 46% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 23.3x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,920.8 | +2,537.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 476.0 | +434.3 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 4.5 | +12.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 39.2 | +6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 34.7 | +238.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 397.7 | +174.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,444.8 | +2,103.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 586.0 | -267.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,658.5 | +1,565.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 200.4 | +805.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. Waterloo 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.