Is Dayton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dayton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 94/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 435 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 86% lower. Dayton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dayton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 147.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dayton — 1-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dayton, MN
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dayton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 434.7 | 3,125.4 | -2,690.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 17.7 | 800.0 | -782.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 8.9 | 64.3 | -55.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 8.9 | 545.3 | -536.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 416.9 | 2,325.3 | -1,908.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 44.4 | 317.2 | -272.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 346.0 | 1,582.1 | -1,236.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 26.6 | 426.0 | -399.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton or Phoenix safer?
Dayton is safer with a total crime rate of 435 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 17.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Dayton has lower violent crime.
About Dayton, MN
Dayton, Minnesota, once known as "Two Rivers" for its location at the confluence of the Crow and Mississippi Rivers, is a growing suburban community. It sits primarily in Hennepin County, with a small portion extending into Wright County. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 11,273, Dayton has a total crime rate of 434.7 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.