Is Philadelphia or West Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Des Moines is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 66% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Des Moines has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 21.1x 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 Des Moines — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
West Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,879.1 | +3,579.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 165.0 | +745.3 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 21.8 | +24.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 12.3 | +261.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 130.9 | +441.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,714.1 | +2,834.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 114.5 | +204.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,471.4 | +1,752.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 128.2 | +877.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or West Des Moines safer?
West Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while West Des Moines has 165.0. West Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines is a vibrant suburb of Iowa's capital, known for its strong financial sector and Jordan Creek Town Center. This affluent community, once a railway stop, lies just west of Des Moines, primarily in Polk County. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 73,334, West Des Moines has a total crime rate of 1,879.1 per 100,000 residents.