Is Bismarck or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bismarck is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 25/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,678 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 14% lower. Bismarck has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bismarck has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 22.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bismarck — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bismarck, ND
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bismarck | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,677.8 | 3,125.4 | -447.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 278.0 | 800.0 | -522.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 8.4 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 45.0 | 64.3 | -19.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.9 | 181.6 | -120.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.8 | 545.3 | -374.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,399.9 | 2,325.3 | +74.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 247.5 | 317.2 | -69.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,922.0 | 1,582.1 | +339.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 230.3 | 426.0 | -195.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismarck or Phoenix safer?
Bismarck is safer with a total crime rate of 2,678 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bismarck has a violent crime rate of 278.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Bismarck has lower violent crime.
About Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota, the state capital, sits on the east bank of the Missouri River. Named for German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, it's a regional hub with a growing population of over 70,000. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 75,546, Bismarck has a total crime rate of 2,677.8 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.