Is Chelmsford or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 65/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 60% lower. Chelmsford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 45.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,875.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 800.0 | -677.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 64.3 | -48.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 181.6 | -178.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 545.3 | -442.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 2,325.3 | -1,197.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 317.2 | -200.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 1,582.1 | -606.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 426.0 | -390.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or Phoenix safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Chelmsford has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.