Is Atwater or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Atwater is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 7% lower. Atwater has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Atwater has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 51.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atwater, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atwater | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,904.1 | 3,125.4 | -221.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 710.4 | 800.0 | -89.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 8.4 | -2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 56.1 | 64.3 | -8.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.1 | 181.6 | -125.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.0 | 545.3 | +46.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,193.6 | 2,325.3 | -131.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.1 | 317.2 | -46.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,748.0 | 1,582.1 | +165.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.5 | 426.0 | -251.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater or Phoenix safer?
Atwater is safer with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 710.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Atwater has lower violent crime.
About Atwater, CA
Atwater, in Merced County, is a Central Valley city with roots in agriculture and the former Castle Air Force Base. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban influences. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 32,093, Atwater has a total crime rate of 2,904.1 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.