Is Carlsbad or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 49/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 45% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carlsbad has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 14.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,415.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 800.0 | -601.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 8.4 | -7.5 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 64.3 | -58.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 181.6 | -147.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 545.3 | -387.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 2,325.3 | -814.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 317.2 | -80.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 1,582.1 | -416.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 426.0 | -317.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Phoenix safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.