Is Ann Arbor or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ann Arbor is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 35% lower. Ann Arbor has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ann Arbor has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 14.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ann Arbor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ann Arbor, MI
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ann Arbor | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,019.1 | 3,125.4 | -1,106.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 303.3 | 800.0 | -496.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 49.1 | 64.3 | -15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.3 | 181.6 | -161.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 233.0 | 545.3 | -312.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,715.7 | 2,325.3 | -609.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.8 | 317.2 | -160.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,471.7 | 1,582.1 | -110.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 87.3 | 426.0 | -338.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ann Arbor or Phoenix safer?
Ann Arbor is safer with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ann Arbor has a violent crime rate of 303.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Ann Arbor has lower violent crime.
About Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a city in southeastern Michigan known for its vibrant arts scene. Its population is approximately 123,000, with a significant portion being students and young professionals. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 118,025, Ann Arbor has a total crime rate of 2,019.1 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.