Is Altoona or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Altoona is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 35/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 30% lower. Altoona has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Altoona has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 39.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Altoona — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Altoona, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Altoona | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,185.1 | 3,125.4 | -940.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 334.7 | 800.0 | -465.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 8.4 | -6.0 |
| Rape Rate | 75.4 | 64.3 | +11.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 73.1 | 181.6 | -108.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 183.9 | 545.3 | -361.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,850.4 | 2,325.3 | -475.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 332.4 | 317.2 | +15.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,402.5 | 1,582.1 | -179.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.5 | 426.0 | -310.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altoona or Phoenix safer?
Altoona is safer with a total crime rate of 2,185 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 334.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Altoona has lower violent crime.
About Altoona, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona was once a vital railroad town, home to the Pennsylvania Railroad's extensive shops. Its population of around 44,000 reflects a legacy of industrial heritage. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 42,424, Altoona has a total crime rate of 2,185.1 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.