Is Brighton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brighton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 20/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,993 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 4% lower. Brighton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Brighton has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 38.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brighton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brighton, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brighton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,993.2 | 3,125.4 | -132.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 474.2 | 800.0 | -325.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.3 | 8.4 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 81.0 | 64.3 | +16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.0 | 181.6 | -144.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 351.6 | 545.3 | -193.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,519.0 | 2,325.3 | +193.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 249.8 | 317.2 | -67.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,903.7 | 1,582.1 | +321.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 365.5 | 426.0 | -60.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brighton or Phoenix safer?
Brighton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,993 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brighton has a violent crime rate of 474.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Brighton has lower violent crime.
About Brighton, CO
Brighton, Colorado, a city platted in 1871 along the Denver Pacific Railroad, sits northeast of Denver in Adams County. Its population of over 40,000 residents enjoys proximity to both urban amenities and agricultural landscapes. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 43,231, Brighton has a total crime rate of 2,993.2 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.