Is Auburn or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Auburn is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 72/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,043 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 67% 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 122.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Auburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Auburn, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Auburn | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,042.7 | 3,125.4 | -2,082.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 381.9 | 800.0 | -418.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 36.7 | 64.3 | -27.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 181.6 | -159.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 323.1 | 545.3 | -222.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 660.9 | 2,325.3 | -1,664.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 88.1 | 317.2 | -229.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 470.0 | 1,582.1 | -1,112.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 102.8 | 426.0 | -323.2 |
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 1,043 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Auburn has a violent crime rate of 381.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Auburn has lower violent crime.
About Auburn, CA
Auburn, California, once a Gold Rush boomtown, sits at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. This small city in Placer County is known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 13,618, Auburn has a total crime rate of 1,042.7 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.