Is Philadelphia or West Palm Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Palm Beach is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 24/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,714 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 50% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Palm Beach has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 12.3x 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 Palm Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
West Palm Beach, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | West Palm Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,713.8 | +2,744.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 575.8 | +334.5 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 7.9 | +9.0 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 59.3 | -13.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 159.0 | +114.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 349.6 | +222.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,138.0 | +2,410.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 307.7 | +11.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,801.8 | +1,421.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 28.5 | +977.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or West Palm Beach safer?
West Palm Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,714 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while West Palm Beach has 575.8. West Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach, separated from Palm Beach by the Intracoastal Waterway, was founded by Henry Flagler to house railroad workers. This city in Palm Beach County is a diverse urban center with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 126,427, West Palm Beach has a total crime rate of 2,713.8 per 100,000 residents.