Is Athens or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athens is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 46/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,830 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 41% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Athens has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 121.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,829.7 | 3,125.4 | -1,295.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 422.8 | 800.0 | -377.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 29.2 | 64.3 | -35.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 43.7 | 181.6 | -137.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 349.9 | 545.3 | -195.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,406.9 | 2,325.3 | -918.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 247.9 | 317.2 | -69.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,108.0 | 1,582.1 | -474.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 51.0 | 426.0 | -375.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Phoenix safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 1,830 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 422.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, TX
Athens, Texas, the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World," is a city in Henderson County, situated amongst the Piney Woods region. With a population around 13,000, it's home to Trinity Valley Community College. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 13,718, Athens has a total crime rate of 1,829.7 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.