Is Albuquerque or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Albuquerque (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,811 for Albuquerque — 46% lower. Albuquerque has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Albuquerque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albuquerque, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albuquerque | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,810.9 | 3,125.4 | +2,685.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,182.1 | 800.0 | +382.1 |
| Murder Rate | 18.4 | 8.4 | +10.1 |
| Rape Rate | 62.5 | 64.3 | -1.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 159.3 | 181.6 | -22.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 941.6 | 545.3 | +396.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,628.8 | 2,325.3 | +2,303.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 772.5 | 317.2 | +455.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,839.2 | 1,582.1 | +1,257.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,017.1 | 426.0 | +591.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albuquerque or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,811 for Albuquerque — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albuquerque has a violent crime rate of 1,182.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Albuquerque, NM
Nestled in the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, known for its vibrant Hispanic culture and the annual International Balloon Fiesta. Its high desert elevation provides stunning mountain views and a unique southwestern character. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 558,745, Albuquerque has a total crime rate of 5,810.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.