Is Boise or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boise is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 60/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 55% lower. Boise has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Boise has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 7.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boise — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boise, ID
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boise | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,403.8 | 3,125.4 | -1,721.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 293.8 | 800.0 | -506.3 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 8.4 | -7.1 |
| Rape Rate | 71.0 | 64.3 | +6.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.7 | 181.6 | -165.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 205.8 | 545.3 | -339.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,110.0 | 2,325.3 | -1,215.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.1 | 317.2 | -210.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.8 | 1,582.1 | -709.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.1 | 426.0 | -295.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise or Phoenix safer?
Boise is safer with a total crime rate of 1,404 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boise has a violent crime rate of 293.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Boise has lower violent crime.
About Boise, ID
Boise, Idaho, known for the "Treefort Music Fest," sits along the Boise River at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. As the state capital, it's the largest city in Idaho, with a population exceeding 230,000. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 235,223, Boise has a total crime rate of 1,403.8 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.