Is Amherst or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Amherst is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 77/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 939 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 70% lower. Amherst has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Amherst has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 139.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Amherst — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Amherst, NH
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Amherst | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 939.4 | 3,125.4 | -2,185.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 8.4 | 800.0 | -791.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 64.3 | -64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 8.4 | 545.3 | -537.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 931.1 | 2,325.3 | -1,394.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 16.8 | 317.2 | -300.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 914.3 | 1,582.1 | -667.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 0.0 | 426.0 | -426.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amherst or Phoenix safer?
Amherst is safer with a total crime rate of 939 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 8.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Amherst has lower violent crime.
About Amherst, NH
Amherst, New Hampshire, a town incorporated in 1760, is home to a population of over 11,000 residents. Located in Hillsborough County, it features a classic New England common. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 11,922, Amherst has a total crime rate of 939.4 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.