Is Philadelphia or Westminster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westminster is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 33/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,283 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 58% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westminster has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 74.9x 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
Westminster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Westminster, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Westminster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 2,283.4 | +3,175.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 241.9 | +668.4 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 0.0 | +16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 29.0 | +17.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 24.2 | +249.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 188.7 | +383.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,041.5 | +2,506.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 106.4 | +212.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,867.4 | +1,356.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 67.7 | +937.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Westminster safer?
Westminster is safer with a total crime rate of 2,283 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Westminster has 241.9. Westminster 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 Westminster, MD
Westminster, the county seat of Carroll County, is a historic city known for its vibrant Main Street and proximity to Baltimore. It's home to McDaniel College, adding a youthful demographic to its established community. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 20,671, Westminster has a total crime rate of 2,283.4 per 100,000 residents.