Is Arroyo Grande or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arroyo Grande is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 76/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 952 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 70% lower. Arroyo Grande has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Arroyo Grande has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 91.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arroyo Grande — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arroyo Grande, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arroyo Grande | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 951.7 | 3,125.4 | -2,173.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 198.0 | 800.0 | -602.0 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 8.4 | +2.6 |
| Rape Rate | 11.0 | 64.3 | -53.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 181.6 | -159.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 154.0 | 545.3 | -391.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 753.6 | 2,325.3 | -1,571.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 159.5 | 317.2 | -157.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 517.1 | 1,582.1 | -1,065.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 77.0 | 426.0 | -349.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arroyo Grande or Phoenix safer?
Arroyo Grande is safer with a total crime rate of 952 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arroyo Grande has a violent crime rate of 198.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Arroyo Grande has lower violent crime.
About Arroyo Grande, CA
Nestled in California's Central Coast, Arroyo Grande is a historic agricultural town, settled in 1862. Its population of around 19,000 enjoys a mild climate and proximity to both beaches and vineyards. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 18,179, Arroyo Grande has a total crime rate of 951.7 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.