Philadelphia, PA Crime Rates

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