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D-

Is Phoenix, Arizona Safe?

Population 1,665,481 · Safer than 14% of US cities

Stable· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate above the national average, Phoenix faces real safety challenges. It earns a D- grade and ranks below 86% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 2,028 per 100K.

Phoenix Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricPhoenixArizona AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate467.3326.7363.8
Property Crime Rate2311.12049.51,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate360.0--268.2
Theft Rate2028.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate503.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD-

277.8 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD-

467/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD

2311/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Phoenix

Violent crime in Phoenix is above the national average. The rate of 467.3 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2311.1 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 2,028 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Assault is notable at 360 per 100K, above the national 268.2.

Phoenix Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault360
01.3x national avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery113
01.8x national avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary281
01.0x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft2,028
01.4x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft503
01.6x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Phoenix Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Phoenix
467.3
State
326.7
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Phoenix
2311.1
State
2049.5
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Safety

Is Phoenix safe?
Not especially. Phoenix earns a D- with a crime rate of 277.8 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs above the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Phoenix?
277.8 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 467.3 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2311.1 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Phoenix safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Phoenix's D- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (2,028 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Phoenix generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Phoenix police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Phoenix?
Crime rates have held steady in Phoenix, without significant movement in either direction. The city maintains its D- grade.
How does Phoenix compare to other cities in Arizona?
Below average for the state. Phoenix ranks behind about 85% of Arizona cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.3x the national rate.
How safe is Phoenix to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is above the national average. Rates have been stable.
How bad is crime in Phoenix?
Bad. A D- grade and 277.8 per-thousand rate put Phoenix below 86% of US cities. Violent crime at 467 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Phoenix?
467.3 per 100,000, which is 28% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (360), robbery (113), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

Nearby Cities in Arizona

Similar-sized communities in Arizona. Compare crime rates across the state.

C-
See crime rates in Tucson548,371 pop · Grade C-
D
See crime rates in Mesa513,656 pop · Grade D
D
See crime rates in Gilbert287,285 pop · Grade D
D+
See crime rates in Chandler278,748 pop · Grade D+
D
See crime rates in Glendale260,572 pop · Grade D
C
See crime rates in Scottsdale243,006 pop · Grade C
View all Arizona city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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