Is Champaign or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Champaign is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,781 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 11% lower. Champaign has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Champaign has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 18.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Champaign — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Champaign, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Champaign | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,780.9 | 3,125.4 | -344.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 501.9 | 800.0 | -298.2 |
| Murder Rate | 5.6 | 8.4 | -2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 68.2 | 64.3 | +3.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.7 | 181.6 | -90.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.4 | 545.3 | -208.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,279.1 | 2,325.3 | -46.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 574.5 | 317.2 | +257.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,472.1 | 1,582.1 | -110.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 232.5 | 426.0 | -193.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Champaign or Phoenix safer?
Champaign is safer with a total crime rate of 2,781 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Champaign has a violent crime rate of 501.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Champaign has lower violent crime.
About Champaign, IL
Champaign, Illinois, home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a mid-sized city in East Central Illinois. Its flat prairie landscape and highly educated populace reflect its agricultural roots and academic focus. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 89,466, Champaign has a total crime rate of 2,780.9 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.