Is Arcata or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arcata is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 34/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 27% lower. Arcata has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arcata has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 87.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arcata — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arcata, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arcata | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,271.4 | 3,125.4 | -854.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 507.7 | 800.0 | -292.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 73.3 | 64.3 | +9.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.4 | 181.6 | -61.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 314.0 | 545.3 | -231.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,763.8 | 2,325.3 | -561.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.7 | 317.2 | -123.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,423.6 | 1,582.1 | -158.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 146.5 | 426.0 | -279.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcata or Phoenix safer?
Arcata is safer with a total crime rate of 2,271 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arcata has a violent crime rate of 507.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Arcata has lower violent crime.
About Arcata, CA
Arcata, California, a Humboldt Bay city and home to Cal Poly Humboldt, is known for its redwood forests and counter-culture heritage. Its population of around 19,000 residents enjoys a temperate climate and a strong sense of community. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 19,107, Arcata has a total crime rate of 2,271.4 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.