Is Asheville or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Asheville (Safety Score 17/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,691 for Asheville — 33% lower. Asheville has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 17.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Asheville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Asheville, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Asheville | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,691.3 | 3,125.4 | +1,565.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 796.1 | 800.0 | -4.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.6 | 8.4 | +4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 86.1 | 64.3 | +21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 113.4 | 181.6 | -68.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 583.9 | 545.3 | +38.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,895.2 | 2,325.3 | +1,569.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 601.8 | 317.2 | +284.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,956.3 | 1,582.1 | +1,374.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 337.1 | 426.0 | -88.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asheville or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,691 for Asheville — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Asheville has a violent crime rate of 796.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Asheville has lower violent crime.
About Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city known for its arts scene and the historic Biltmore Estate. Its population, predominantly white, enjoys a unique blend of Appalachian heritage and progressive culture. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 95,219, Asheville has a total crime rate of 4,691.3 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.