Is Colton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 28/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 20% lower. Colton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Colton has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 31.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colton, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,498.5 | 3,125.4 | -626.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.2 | 800.0 | -406.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.6 | 8.4 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 22.6 | 64.3 | -41.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.4 | 181.6 | -76.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.6 | 545.3 | -285.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,105.2 | 2,325.3 | -220.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 301.0 | 317.2 | -16.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,418.6 | 1,582.1 | -163.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 385.7 | 426.0 | -40.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colton or Phoenix safer?
Colton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colton has a violent crime rate of 393.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Colton has lower violent crime.
About Colton, CA
Colton, California, a historic railroad town, lies in the Inland Empire. It's home to the oldest operating McDonald's restaurant, a landmark reflecting its mid-20th century growth. The city is primarily a working-class community with a diverse population. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 53,153, Colton has a total crime rate of 2,498.5 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.