Is Chesapeake or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 33% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chesapeake has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 6.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,041.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 800.0 | -460.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 8.4 | -3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 64.3 | -41.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 181.6 | -136.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 545.3 | -278.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 2,325.3 | -581.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 317.2 | -132.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,582.1 | -135.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 426.0 | -313.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Phoenix safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Chesapeake has lower violent crime.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, a sprawling South Hampton Roads city, incorporates rural and suburban areas. Its numerous waterways, like the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, are integral to its geography. The city was formed in 1963 through a merger of Norfolk County and South Norfolk. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 257,248, Chesapeake has a total crime rate of 2,083.6 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.