Is Bristol or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Bristol (Safety Score 17/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,463 for Bristol — 10% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 99.1x 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, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,463.5 | 3,125.4 | +338.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 435.2 | 800.0 | -364.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 95.4 | 64.3 | +31.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.8 | 181.6 | -145.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 304.0 | 545.3 | -241.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,028.3 | 2,325.3 | +703.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 292.1 | 317.2 | -25.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,563.3 | 1,582.1 | +981.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 172.9 | 426.0 | -253.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,463 for Bristol — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 435.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, VA
Nestled in Southwest Virginia's Appalachian Mountains, Bristol is a twin city with its Tennessee counterpart, sharing State Street as a unique border. It holds the distinction as the "Birthplace of Country Music," a heritage deeply rooted in its culture. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 16,775, Bristol has a total crime rate of 3,463.5 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.