Is Brookings or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brookings is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 64/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 59% lower. Brookings has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brookings has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 67.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brookings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brookings, SD
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brookings | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,266.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,859.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 89.3 | 800.0 | -710.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 16.2 | 64.3 | -48.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 69.0 | 545.3 | -476.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,177.0 | 2,325.3 | -1,148.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.7 | 317.2 | -272.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,059.3 | 1,582.1 | -522.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 73.1 | 426.0 | -353.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookings or Phoenix safer?
Brookings is safer with a total crime rate of 1,266 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brookings has a violent crime rate of 89.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Brookings has lower violent crime.
About Brookings, SD
Brookings, South Dakota, home to South Dakota State University, is a plains community near the Minnesota border. Its population of around 24,000 is largely influenced by the university's students and faculty. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 24,638, Brookings has a total crime rate of 1,266.3 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.