Is Columbus or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 22/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 9% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbus has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 8.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 3,125.4 | -281.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 800.0 | -191.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 8.4 | +4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 64.3 | -38.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 181.6 | -130.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 545.3 | -30.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 2,325.3 | -89.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 317.2 | +36.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 1,582.1 | +53.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 426.0 | -179.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Phoenix safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Columbus, GA
Columbus, Georgia, a city on the Chattahoochee River, is home to Fort Moore, a major US Army installation. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys a vibrant arts scene and a rich industrial heritage. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 201,061, Columbus has a total crime rate of 2,843.9 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.