Is Bellingham or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellingham is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 64/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 60% lower. Bellingham has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bellingham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 91.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellingham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellingham, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellingham | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,259.7 | 3,125.4 | -1,865.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 215.5 | 800.0 | -584.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 64.3 | -20.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 181.6 | -159.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 149.2 | 545.3 | -396.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,044.3 | 2,325.3 | -1,281.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 66.3 | 317.2 | -250.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 917.2 | 1,582.1 | -665.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.8 | 426.0 | -365.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellingham or Phoenix safer?
Bellingham is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 215.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Bellingham has lower violent crime.
About Bellingham, MA
Bellingham, Massachusetts, a suburban town in southeastern Worcester County, was incorporated in 1719. It's home to roughly 19,000 residents and features a mix of residential areas and commercial zones along Route 126. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 18,099, Bellingham has a total crime rate of 1,259.7 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.