Is Philadelphia or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilmington is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,286 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 21% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Philadelphia has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 21.5x 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
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Wilmington, DE
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 4,285.8 | +1,172.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 1,127.1 | -216.7 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 34.7 | -17.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 7.0 | +39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 254.3 | +18.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 831.0 | -258.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 3,158.8 | +1,389.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 486.4 | -167.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 2,001.2 | +1,222.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 671.2 | +334.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Wilmington safer?
Wilmington is safer with a total crime rate of 4,286 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Wilmington has 1,127.1. Philadelphia 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 Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, Delaware, a port city on the Christina River, is home to the Rollins Building, a historic landmark. Its diverse population of roughly 70,000 resides just 30 miles south of Philadelphia. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 71,958, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 4,285.8 per 100,000 residents.