Is Baltimore or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Baltimore (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,763 for Baltimore — 46% lower. Baltimore has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 2.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Baltimore — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baltimore, MD
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baltimore | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,763.2 | 3,125.4 | +2,637.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,606.2 | 800.0 | +806.1 |
| Murder Rate | 34.8 | 8.4 | +26.4 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 64.3 | -6.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 573.2 | 181.6 | +391.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.7 | 545.3 | +395.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,157.0 | 2,325.3 | +1,831.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 523.8 | 317.2 | +206.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 1,582.1 | +999.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,051.3 | 426.0 | +625.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,763 for Baltimore — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 1,606.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, a historic port city on the Patapsco River, is home to the Inner Harbor and a diverse population. Known for its distinct neighborhoods and the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, it's the most populous city in Maryland. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 566,632, Baltimore has a total crime rate of 5,763.2 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.