Is Philadelphia or Winston-Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Winston-Salem is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 11/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,731 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 32% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Winston-Salem has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 6.1x 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
Winston-Salem — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Winston-Salem, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Winston-Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 3,731.3 | +1,727.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 810.1 | +100.2 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 11.4 | +5.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 46.1 | +0.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 97.2 | +176.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 655.0 | -82.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 2,921.2 | +1,627.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 570.0 | -251.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 1,996.9 | +1,226.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 354.3 | +651.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Winston-Salem safer?
Winston-Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 3,731 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Winston-Salem has 810.1. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC, a city born from the tobacco and textile industries, is nestled in the Piedmont Triad. Home to Wake Forest University, its population is diverse, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern influences. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 254,041, Winston-Salem has a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents.