Is Boulder or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boulder is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 19/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 2% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 15.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 3,125.4 | -70.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 800.0 | -477.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 64.3 | -29.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 181.6 | -136.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 545.3 | -302.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 2,325.3 | +407.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 317.2 | +65.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 1,582.1 | +559.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 426.0 | -217.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Phoenix safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 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.