Is Auburn or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 71/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,086 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 65% lower. Auburn has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Auburn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 19.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, AL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,086.5 | 3,125.4 | -2,038.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 107.5 | 800.0 | -692.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 64.3 | -45.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.6 | 181.6 | -172.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 78.8 | 545.3 | -466.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 979.0 | 2,325.3 | -1,346.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 39.4 | 317.2 | -277.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 871.6 | 1,582.1 | -710.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 68.1 | 426.0 | -358.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn or Phoenix safer?
Auburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,086 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 107.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, AL
Auburn, Alabama, a historic college town in eastern Alabama, is home to Auburn University, a land-grant institution. It boasts a growing population of over 76,000 residents, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 83,756, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,086.5 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.