Is Allentown or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Allentown is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 45/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 41% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Allentown has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 13.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Allentown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 3,125.4 | -1,284.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 800.0 | -528.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 8.4 | -5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 64.3 | -37.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 181.6 | -124.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 545.3 | -360.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 2,325.3 | -756.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 317.2 | -196.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 1,582.1 | -330.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 426.0 | -230.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Phoenix safer?
Allentown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,841 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Allentown has lower violent crime.
About Allentown, PA
Allentown, a former industrial hub in eastern Pennsylvania, is the third-largest city in the state. Home to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, it sits along the Lehigh River with a diverse population. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 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.