Is Blacksburg or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Blacksburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 82/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 792 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 75% lower. Blacksburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Blacksburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 36.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Blacksburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Blacksburg, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Blacksburg | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 791.5 | 3,125.4 | -2,333.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 76.5 | 800.0 | -723.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 41.5 | 64.3 | -22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.2 | 181.6 | -179.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 32.8 | 545.3 | -512.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 715.0 | 2,325.3 | -1,610.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 67.8 | 317.2 | -249.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 623.2 | 1,582.1 | -959.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 24.1 | 426.0 | -402.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blacksburg or Phoenix safer?
Blacksburg is safer with a total crime rate of 792 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Blacksburg has a violent crime rate of 76.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Blacksburg has lower violent crime.
About Blacksburg, VA
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg, Virginia, is a college town dominated by Virginia Tech. Its population is approximately 45,000, with students making up a significant portion. The town's vibrant atmosphere is a direct reflection of the university's influence. With a safety score of 82/100 and a population coverage of 45,734, Blacksburg has a total crime rate of 791.5 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.