Is Bluffton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bluffton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 77/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 944 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 70% lower. Bluffton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bluffton has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 43.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bluffton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bluffton, SC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bluffton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 943.9 | 3,125.4 | -2,181.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 118.7 | 800.0 | -681.4 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 8.4 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 64.3 | -48.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.1 | 181.6 | -160.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 545.3 | -468.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 825.3 | 2,325.3 | -1,500.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.6 | 317.2 | -248.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 680.3 | 1,582.1 | -901.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.5 | 426.0 | -349.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton or Phoenix safer?
Bluffton is safer with a total crime rate of 944 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 118.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Bluffton has lower violent crime.
About Bluffton, SC
Bluffton, a "Lowcountry" town on the May River, was once a thriving antebellum port. This charming Beaufort County community is known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant arts scene, drawing visitors to its historic district. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,927, Bluffton has a total crime rate of 943.9 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.