Is Cleveland or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Cleveland (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,987 for Cleveland — 48% lower. Cleveland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 4.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cleveland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cleveland, OH
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cleveland | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,987.4 | 3,125.4 | +2,862.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,561.1 | 800.0 | +761.1 |
| Murder Rate | 30.1 | 8.4 | +21.7 |
| Rape Rate | 140.9 | 64.3 | +76.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 389.2 | 181.6 | +207.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,000.9 | 545.3 | +455.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,426.3 | 2,325.3 | +2,101.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 860.3 | 317.2 | +543.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,419.5 | 1,582.1 | +837.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,146.5 | 426.0 | +720.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,987 for Cleveland — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cleveland has a violent crime rate of 1,561.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, a city on Lake Erie, boasts a rich industrial past and is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Its diverse population reflects a blend of historic European immigrant communities and growing newer populations. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 362,762, Cleveland has a total crime rate of 5,987.4 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.