| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Philadelphia/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 84,541 | n/a (estimate) | 5,457 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 262 | n/a | 16.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 714 | n/a | 46.1 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4,233 | n/a | 273.2 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8,869 | n/a | 572.5 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14,078 | n/a (estimate) | 909 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4,942 | n/a | 319.0 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 49,942 | n/a | 3,223.6 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15,579 | n/a | 1,005.6 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 70,463 | n/a (estimate) | 4,548 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Philadelphia crime rate is higher than the national average by 157.5%. Specifically, there were 14078 violent crimes in Philadelphia, equivalent to 909 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 153.1%. Furthermore, Philadelphia recorded 70463 property crimes, amounting to 4548 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 158.4%.
With a crime rate of 5457 per 100,000 residents, Philadelphia has a crime rate that is 157.5% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Philadelphia that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Philadelphia ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 909 per 100,000 people, Philadelphia is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 111 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Philadelphia, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Philadelphia stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Philadelphia, a total of 262 murders were reported, equating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Philadelphia faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4548 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Philadelphia stands at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Philadelphia is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Philadelphia reported a total of 15579 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1006 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 100, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Philadelphia? Well, based on a recent survey of 303 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 28% of Philadelphia residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 72% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Philadelphia is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Philadelphia has an overall crime rate that is 158% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 231.62 daily occurrences, comprising 38.57 violent crimes and 193.05 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Philadelphia as a potential place to establish residency.
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 33%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 2.4%, while property crime has increased by 43.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia area comprises a diverse array of over 56 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Bustleton, Chestnut Hill and Somerton which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Strawberry Mansion, Tioga-Nicetown and Alleghany West exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Philadelphia neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Philadelphia crime rates. For instance, in Philadelphia, the population density stands at 12164.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Philadelphia, the average rental rates are $1,644 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7,360 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.8 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Langhorne Manor, PA | 1,542 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hulmeville, PA | 1,024 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Devon, PA | 1,869 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Rose Valley, PA | 1,190 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Eddington, PA | 1,847 | 35 | 204 | 238 |
| Cornwells Heights, PA | 1,260 | 37 | 219 | 256 |
| Wyncote, PA | 3,459 | 47 | 273 | 320 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,632,157 | 909 | 4,548 | 5,457 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,573,237 | 594 | 4,624 | 5,218 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1,698,457 | 800 | 2,325 | 3,125 |
| San Diego, CA | 1,466,871 | 412 | 1,670 | 2,082 |
| Dallas, TX | 1,391,819 | 658 | 3,352 | 4,010 |
| San Jose, CA | 1,062,558 | 607 | 2,588 | 3,195 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,632,157 | 909 | 4,548 | 5,457 |
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