Is Cottonwood or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 60/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 55% lower. Cottonwood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cottonwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 123.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cottonwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cottonwood, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cottonwood | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,391.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,734.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 223.2 | 800.0 | -576.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 14.9 | 64.3 | -49.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.3 | 181.6 | -159.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 186.0 | 545.3 | -359.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,168.1 | 2,325.3 | -1,157.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.9 | 317.2 | -183.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 944.9 | 1,582.1 | -637.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 89.3 | 426.0 | -336.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood or Phoenix safer?
Cottonwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 223.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Cottonwood has lower violent crime.
About Cottonwood, AZ
Cottonwood, Arizona, nestled in the Verde Valley, was once a thriving ranching community. This Yavapai County town, with a population around 12,000, sits near the scenic Verde River. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 13,441, Cottonwood has a total crime rate of 1,391.3 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.