Crime and Pollution in Philadelphia

The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Philadelphia are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 218 user contributions.This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Philadelphia.

Crime Data in Philadelphia

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Philadelphia faces significant challenges regarding crime, with a high crime index indicating considerable concerns among its residents.

Common worries include property crimes, increasing crime rates, and a prevalent issue with drug-related offenses.

Some notable concerns include:
  • Property CrimesProperty crimes such as thefts, home invasions, and car related crimes rank high on the concern scale for Philadelphians, contributing to a sense of insecurity.
  • Drug-Related IssuesDrug-related offenses present a serious issue in Philadelphia, markedly impacting residents' feelings of safety and overall quality of life.
  • Violent CrimesViolent crimes are notably concerning for the public, with fears of physical attack and robbery affecting how residents feel about their personal safety.
  • Public SafetyResidents report feeling significantly less safe at night compared to daytime, with concerns about violent and property crimes elevating after dark.
Crime Trends and Safety
  • Rising Crime ConcernsThere's a widespread belief that crime is on the rise, with particular tension around increased violent and property crime incidents.
  • Specific FearsConcerns about being mugged or robbed are prevalent among residents, along with worries about becoming victims of violence or organized crime in some areas.
Worldwide
United States

Crime Rankings

Philadelphia ranks 10th on the Crime rankings in United States.
The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Crime Rankings

Pollution Data in Philadelphia

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Philadelphia has made strides in improving air quality, though pollution, particularly from PM10 particles, remains a concern.

While air quality improvements are appreciated, there is a lingering concern over the long-term health effects of ongoing pollution.

  • PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)PM2.5 levels are moderate, posing health risks particularly to sensitive groups, despite improvements in recent years.
  • PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter)PM10 pollution remains a challenge, reflecting the impact of urban traffic and industrial activity on the city's environment.
Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a discomforting aspect of life in Philadelphia, with urban density amplifying problems from traffic and nightlife.

Garbage disposal remains an area needing improvement, with dissatisfaction among some residents highlighting the need for better waste management practices.

  • Garbage Disposal SatisfactionWhile some progress has been made, garbage disposal continues to be a pain point for many residents, affecting overall cleanliness perceptions.
  • Noise and Light PollutionUrban life contributes significantly to noise pollution, challenging residents' quality of life amidst the bustling city environment.
Green Spaces and Water Quality

Philadelphia's green spaces offer a valuable respite for residents, with high ratings for parks and recreational areas.

The city's drinking water is a strong positive, with high accessibility and quality offering reassurance to Philadelphians.

  • Green and Parks QualityThe quality of parks and green spaces is notably appreciated, providing essential areas for recreation and relaxation.
  • Drinking Water QualityPhiladelphia's drinking water is highly regarded, with residents expressing satisfaction over both its quality and availability.
Worldwide
United States

Pollution Rankings

Philadelphia ranks 13th on the Pollution rankings in United States.
The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
Hightest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Full Pollution Rankings