Is Bristol or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 32/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 26% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 59.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, TN
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,125.4 | -800.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 366.8 | 800.0 | -433.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 32.1 | 64.3 | -32.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.4 | 181.6 | -160.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 309.8 | 545.3 | -235.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,958.6 | 2,325.3 | -366.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 309.8 | 317.2 | -7.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,509.9 | 1,582.1 | -72.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.9 | 426.0 | -287.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Phoenix safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 2,325 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 366.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, TN
Bristol, Tennessee, straddling the Virginia state line, is the "Birthplace of Country Music." This Appalachian town in Sullivan County is home to approximately 27,000 residents. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 28,082, Bristol has a total crime rate of 2,325.3 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.