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Chicago vs Phoenix Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Chicago crime rate · Phoenix crime rate

Moving from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ?

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Is Chicago or Phoenix Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 22% lower. Chicago has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 52% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Chicago, IL?

Chicago — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Flat Total

Phoenix — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
Safety Score 8/100
Coverage 2,638,698
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2
Category Wins 2/7

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ
Safety Score 17/100
Coverage 1,662,809
Total Crime Rate 3,125.4
Category Wins 5/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Chicago Phoenix Difference
Total Crime Rate 4,012.2 3,125.4 +886.9
Violent Crime Rate 539.9 800.0 -260.2
Murder Rate 17.5 8.4 +9.1
Rape Rate 58.8 64.3 -5.5
Robbery Rate 335.3 181.6 +153.7
Aggravated Assault Rate 128.3 545.3 -417.0
Property Crime Rate 3,472.4 2,325.3 +1,147.1
Burglary Rate 294.8 317.2 -22.4
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,318.8 1,582.1 +736.6
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 858.9 426.0 +432.8

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ?

An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Phoenix safer?

Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 22% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Chicago has lower violent crime.

About Chicago, IL

Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 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.

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