Is Philadelphia or Wellesley Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wellesley is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 91/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 532 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 90% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wellesley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 48.5x 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
Wellesley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Wellesley, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Wellesley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 531.7 | +4,926.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 46.9 | +863.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 9.4 | +36.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 0.0 | +273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 37.5 | +534.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 484.8 | +4,063.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 65.7 | +253.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 378.4 | +2,845.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 40.7 | +964.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Wellesley safer?
Wellesley is safer with a total crime rate of 532 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Wellesley has 46.9. Wellesley 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 Wellesley, MA
Wellesley, a affluent Boston suburb known for Wellesley College, occupies a tree-lined landscape with a median household income exceeding $200,000. Its population of around 29,000 residents reflects a highly educated community, with over 80% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. With a safety score of 91/100 and a population coverage of 31,973, Wellesley has a total crime rate of 531.7 per 100,000 residents.