Is Burlington or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Burlington is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 44/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 40% lower. Burlington has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Burlington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 61.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,887.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,237.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 224.9 | 800.0 | -575.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 22.1 | 64.3 | -42.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.8 | 181.6 | -166.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 188.0 | 545.3 | -357.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,662.7 | 2,325.3 | -662.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 95.9 | 317.2 | -221.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,519.0 | 1,582.1 | -63.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 426.0 | -378.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Phoenix safer?
Burlington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,888 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Burlington has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA, a Middlesex County suburb, is known for its robust tech industry and the Burlington Mall. It was incorporated in 1799, separating from Woburn, and is home to a diverse, affluent population. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 27,124, Burlington has a total crime rate of 1,887.6 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.