Is Philadelphia or Worcester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Worcester is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 100/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 16 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 100% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Worcester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 7.3x 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
Worcester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Worcester, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 16.5 | +5,442.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 16.5 | +893.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 7.5 | +9.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 0.0 | +46.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 0.9 | +272.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 8.0 | +564.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 0.0 | +4,548.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 0.0 | +319.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 0.0 | +3,223.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 0.0 | +1,005.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Worcester safer?
Worcester is safer with a total crime rate of 16 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 100% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Worcester has 16.5. Worcester 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 Worcester, MA
Worcester, a city of hills in Central Massachusetts, boasts a rich industrial past, home to the first American-made Valentine's Day cards. It's the second-most populous city in New England outside of Boston. With a safety score of 100/100 and a population coverage of 212,425, Worcester has a total crime rate of 16.5 per 100,000 residents.