Is Philadelphia or Wells Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wells is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 81/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 807 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 85% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wells has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 128.8x 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
Wells — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Wells, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Wells | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 806.5 | +4,652.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 83.2 | +827.2 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 33.3 | +12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 0.0 | +273.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 49.9 | +522.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 723.4 | +3,824.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 33.3 | +285.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 631.9 | +2,591.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 58.2 | +947.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Wells safer?
Wells is safer with a total crime rate of 807 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Wells has 83.2. Wells 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 Wells, ME
Wells, Maine, a coastal town incorporated in 1653, boasts miles of sandy beaches and a significant seasonal population increase. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing. With a safety score of 81/100 and a population coverage of 12,027, Wells has a total crime rate of 806.5 per 100,000 residents.