Is Philadelphia or West Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Columbia is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,185 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 5% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where West Columbia has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 83.3x 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 Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
West Columbia, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | West Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 5,185.3 | +273.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 747.7 | +162.6 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 16.1 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 48.4 | -2.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 75.3 | +197.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 607.8 | -35.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 4,437.6 | +110.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 371.2 | -52.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 3,711.5 | -487.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 355.0 | +650.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or West Columbia safer?
West Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 5,185 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while West Columbia has 747.7. West Columbia 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 Columbia, SC
West Columbia, SC, nestled along the Congaree River, was once known for its thriving textile mills. This city in Lexington County is home to a diverse population, reflecting its historical growth and ongoing development. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 18,591, West Columbia has a total crime rate of 5,185.3 per 100,000 residents.