Is Brainerd or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brainerd is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 35/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 29% lower. Brainerd has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brainerd has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 113.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brainerd — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 3,125.4 | -915.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 800.0 | -369.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 64.3 | +4.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 181.6 | -140.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 545.3 | -223.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 2,325.3 | -546.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 317.2 | -132.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 1,582.1 | -35.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 426.0 | -378.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or Phoenix safer?
Brainerd is safer with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Brainerd has lower violent crime.
About Brainerd, MN
Brainerd, a city in Crow Wing County, is known for its Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Situated in north-central Minnesota, it's a regional hub for the Brainerd Lakes Area, attracting seasonal visitors. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 14,615, Brainerd has a total crime rate of 2,210.1 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.