Is Philadelphia or Wilkes Barre City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilkes Barre City is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 41/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,989 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 64% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wilkes Barre City has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 35.0x 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
Wilkes Barre City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Wilkes Barre City, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Wilkes Barre City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,988.5 | +3,470.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 431.6 | +478.7 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 9.0 | +7.9 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 42.9 | +3.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 56.5 | +216.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 323.1 | +249.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,556.9 | +2,991.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 165.0 | +154.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,281.2 | +1,942.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 110.7 | +894.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Wilkes Barre City safer?
Wilkes Barre City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,989 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Wilkes Barre City has 431.6. Wilkes Barre City 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 Wilkes Barre City, PA
Wilkes-Barre, a city in Luzerne County, was a major anthracite coal mining hub. Nestled in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River, it is home to a diverse population. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 44,254, Wilkes Barre City has a total crime rate of 1,988.5 per 100,000 residents.