F
131%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
182%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
121%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePhiladelphia/100k peoplePennsylvania/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime83,435n/a (estimate)5,3631,7622,324
Murder514n/a33.07.96.3
Rape785n/a50.529.540.0
Robbery5,763n/a370.468.166.1
Assault9,140n/a587.5174.5268.2
Violent crime16,202n/a (estimate)1,041280370
Burglary6,485n/a416.8148.2269.8
Theft48,067n/a3,089.51,171.21,401.9
Vehicle theft12,681n/a815.1163.0282.7
Property crime67,233n/a (estimate)4,3211,4831,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Philadelphia, PA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Philadelphia is 130.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Philadelphia, there were 16202 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1041 per 100,000 individuals, 181.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 67233 property crimes, amounting to 4321 per 100,000 residents, 121.1% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 5363 crimes per 100,000 people, the Philadelphia crime rates stand at 130.74 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Philadelphia, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a violent crime rate of 1041 crimes per 100,000 residents, Philadelphia is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Philadelphia ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 97 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Philadelphia has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 514 murders in Philadelphia, which is 33 murders per 100,000 people.

Philadelphia reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4321 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Philadelphia, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Philadelphia ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 12681 vehicle thefts, amounting to 815 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Philadelphia within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 123.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Philadelphia?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Philadelphia. Based on the results of the surveys (297 responses), 29% of people felt that there was very little crime in Philadelphia and felt safe walking alone at night. While 71% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Philadelphia a Safe Place to Live?

Is Philadelphia a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Philadelphia has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 131%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 228.59 daily incidents, encompassing 44.39 violent crimes and 184.2 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Philadelphia as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Philadelphia Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Philadelphia. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Philadelphia has increased by 31.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 12.4%, while property crime has increased by 36.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Philadelphia region comprises an array of over 56 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Philadelphia are exemplars such as Bustleton, Chestnut Hill and Fox Chase, whereas Tioga-Nicetown, Alleghany West and North Central grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Philadelphia

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Philadelphia, 78.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Philadelphia, the cost of living is 0.03% higher than the national average.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Philadelphia has a median home price of $171,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Philadelphia crime map



The Philadelphia crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Philadelphia as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Philadelphia crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Philadelphia crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Philadelphia crime rates are 131% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Philadelphia are 182% higher than the national average
  • In Philadelphia you have a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Philadelphia is safer than 2% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Philadelphia has increased by 34%

Philadelphia, PA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Philadelphia (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Philadelphia, per 100,000 residents. In Philadelphia, the total number of daily crimes is 3.04 times more than the Pennsylvania average and 2.31 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Philadelphia are 3.72 times more than the Pennsylvania average and 2.82 times more than the national average. For property crime, Philadelphia has a daily crime rate that is 2.91 times more than the Pennsylvania average and 2.21 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Philadelphia (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Philadelphia in comparison to other Pennsylvania communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Philadelphia safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Philadelphia being safer than 0% of cities in Pennsylvania and 2% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Pennsylvania cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Philadelphia. In conclusion, Philadelphia ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Philadelphia

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Philadelphia is 1 in 97
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Philadelphia is 1 in 24
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Philadelphia is 1 in 19
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Philadelphia? If you reside in Philadelphia, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 97. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 24 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Philadelphia, is 1 in 19.

        Year Over Year Crime In Philadelphia (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Philadelphia is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Philadelphia violent crime rates have increased by 15%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 40% year over year. Total crimes for Philadelphia has increased by 34% in the same time frame.

        Philadelphia police department

        Item Philadelphia Pennsylvania National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)7,36014,701558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents4.81.83.3
        There are a total of 7,360 Philadelphia police officers. This results in 4.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 161.9% greater than the Pennsylvania average and 47.1% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Pennsylvania

        State Total offenders Pennsylvania /100K National /100K
        Pennsylvania21,558176266
        There are a total of 21,558 sex offenders in Pennsylvania. This yields a total of 176 sex offenders in Pennsylvania per 100,000 residents which is 34% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Devon, PA1,83039208247
        Bryn Athyn, PA1,21739208247
        Langhorne Manor, PA1,49144232275
        Berwyn, PA3,62153282336
        Wyncote, PA3,33353282336
        Voorhees, NJ1,68652366419
        Flourtown, PA4,54973385458
        Philadelphia, PA1,581,5311,0414,3215,363

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        San Antonio, TX1,529,1338835,0695,951
        Phoenix, AZ1,658,4228252,9023,727
        San Diego, CA1,414,5454311,8182,248
        Dallas, TX1,338,8467783,8134,591
        San Jose, CA1,029,4095272,6513,178
        Philadelphia, PA1,581,5311,0414,3215,363
        Source: The Philadelphia, PA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.