Is Philadelphia or Waukegan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waukegan is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 39/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 62% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waukegan has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 17.8x 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
Waukegan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Waukegan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Waukegan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,059.6 | +3,398.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 445.2 | +465.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 5.7 | +11.2 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 88.4 | -42.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 60.8 | +212.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 290.3 | +282.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,614.4 | +2,933.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 270.8 | +48.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 819.2 | +2,404.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 524.4 | +481.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Waukegan safer?
Waukegan is safer with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Waukegan has 445.2. Waukegan 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 Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, a Lake Michigan port city, boasts Ray Bradbury's childhood home and a diverse population. Located 40 miles north of Chicago, it serves as the county seat of Lake County. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 87,155, Waukegan has a total crime rate of 2,059.6 per 100,000 residents.