Is Philadelphia or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 5/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,528 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 17% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 64.5x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Watertown, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,527.9 | +930.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 599.3 | +311.0 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 166.5 | -120.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 37.5 | +235.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 395.4 | +177.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,928.6 | +619.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 387.0 | -68.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 3,420.9 | -197.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 120.7 | +884.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 4,528 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 Watertown has 599.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, NY
Watertown, NY, a city along the Black River, boasts the first department store in the nation, founded by F.W. Woolworth. Situated just south of Fort Drum, it serves as a regional hub for Jefferson County. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 24,029, Watertown has a total crime rate of 4,527.9 per 100,000 residents.