Is Arvada or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arvada is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,765 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 12% lower. Arvada has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arvada has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 13.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arvada — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arvada, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arvada | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,765.3 | 3,125.4 | -360.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 286.4 | 800.0 | -513.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 20.8 | 64.3 | -43.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.5 | 181.6 | -135.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 218.3 | 545.3 | -327.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.9 | 2,325.3 | +153.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 343.7 | 317.2 | +26.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,760.0 | 1,582.1 | +177.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 375.2 | 426.0 | -50.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvada or Phoenix safer?
Arvada is safer with a total crime rate of 2,765 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arvada has a violent crime rate of 286.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Arvada has lower violent crime.
About Arvada, CO
Arvada, CO, a Denver suburb, boasts a rich agricultural past, once known for its "Celery Capital of the World" status. The city spans both Jefferson and Adams counties, with a population exceeding 120,000. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 120,456, Arvada has a total crime rate of 2,765.3 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.