Is Philadelphia or West Chester Borough Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Chester Borough is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 58/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 73% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Chester Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 77.4x 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
West Chester Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
West Chester Borough, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | West Chester Borough | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,464.7 | +3,993.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 215.0 | +695.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 20.0 | +26.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 40.0 | +233.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 155.0 | +417.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,249.8 | +3,298.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 140.0 | +179.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,054.8 | +2,168.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 55.0 | +950.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or West Chester Borough safer?
West Chester Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 1,465 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while West Chester Borough has 215.0. West Chester Borough 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 West Chester Borough, PA
West Chester Borough, the seat of Chester County, is a historic borough known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant downtown. Located approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia, it is home to West Chester University, contributing to a diverse and educated population. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 20,004, West Chester Borough has a total crime rate of 1,464.7 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
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