University City Neighborhood, Philadelphia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Safety at a Glance
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in Philadelphia
Is University City Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. University City in Philadelphia, PA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 71, which is 29% below the national average of 100. University City is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
Compared to the Philadelphia average (crime index 114), University City is 43% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Philadelphia as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 188, 88% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 54).
University City Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Philadelphia city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Assault
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Rape
|
188 | +88% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How University City Compares
Crime index by category: University City vs Philadelphia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University City Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
University City Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University City, Philadelphia?
University City in Philadelphia, PA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 71, which is 29% below the national average. Compared to the Philadelphia average, crime in University City is 43% lower. University City is safer than 58% of neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
Is University City a safe neighborhood in Philadelphia?
University City is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Philadelphia, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 188), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 54).
How does University City compare to the rest of Philadelphia?
University City's overall crime index is 71, compared to the Philadelphia average of 114. This means crime in University City is 43% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 139, and for property crime it is 150. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in University City?
The most prevalent crime type in University City is Rape, with a crime index of 188 (88% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near University City?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Filter Square, Devil's Pocket, Woodland and Rittenhouse Square West. These areas are close to University City and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University City?
University City has a population of approximately 12,997. The median household income is $32,593. The median home value is $554,631. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University City crime compare to the national average?
University City's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average (index 71 vs 100). Within Philadelphia, it is safer than 58% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.