Is Brownsville or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brownsville is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 31/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,398 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 23% lower. Brownsville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brownsville has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brownsville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brownsville, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brownsville | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,397.8 | 3,125.4 | -727.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 456.0 | 800.0 | -344.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.1 | 8.4 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 30.9 | 64.3 | -33.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.7 | 181.6 | -121.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 362.4 | 545.3 | -182.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,941.7 | 2,325.3 | -383.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 192.5 | 317.2 | -124.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,335.6 | 1,582.1 | -246.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 413.7 | 426.0 | -12.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brownsville or Phoenix safer?
Brownsville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,398 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brownsville has a violent crime rate of 456.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Brownsville has lower violent crime.
About Brownsville, TX
Brownsville, the southernmost city in Texas, is a vibrant border community with a rich Tejano heritage. Situated on the Rio Grande, it's home to a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 191,221, Brownsville has a total crime rate of 2,397.8 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.