Is Colorado Springs or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Colorado Springs (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Colorado Springs — 25% lower. Colorado Springs has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Colorado Springs has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colorado Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colorado Springs, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colorado Springs | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,167.1 | 3,125.4 | +1,041.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 718.3 | 800.0 | -81.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 8.4 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 101.3 | 64.3 | +37.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.5 | 181.6 | -104.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 529.0 | 545.3 | -16.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,448.8 | 2,325.3 | +1,123.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 529.8 | 317.2 | +212.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,227.4 | 1,582.1 | +645.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 691.6 | 426.0 | +265.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Springs or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,167 for Colorado Springs — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colorado Springs has a violent crime rate of 718.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Colorado Springs has lower violent crime.
About Colorado Springs, CO
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a city with a strong military presence, home to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Its population of over 480,000 residents enjoys a high desert climate. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 491,474, Colorado Springs has a total crime rate of 4,167.1 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.