Is Dayton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Dayton (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,673 for Dayton — 45% lower. Dayton has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 12.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dayton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dayton, OH
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dayton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,673.4 | 3,125.4 | +2,548.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,339.2 | 800.0 | +539.2 |
| Murder Rate | 29.7 | 8.4 | +21.3 |
| Rape Rate | 116.4 | 64.3 | +52.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 252.9 | 181.6 | +71.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.3 | 545.3 | +394.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,334.2 | 2,325.3 | +2,008.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 859.4 | 317.2 | +542.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,144.5 | 1,582.1 | +562.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,330.3 | 426.0 | +904.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dayton or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,673 for Dayton — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 1,339.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Dayton, OH
Dayton, birthplace of aviation, is a mid-sized city in southwest Ohio. Nestled in the Miami Valley, its population is diverse, with a notable manufacturing legacy. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 134,857, Dayton has a total crime rate of 5,673.4 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.