Is Decatur or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 30/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 23% lower. Decatur has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 69.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, GA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,401.3 | 3,125.4 | -724.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 132.7 | 800.0 | -667.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 12.4 | 64.3 | -51.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.2 | 181.6 | -119.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 58.1 | 545.3 | -487.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,268.6 | 2,325.3 | -56.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 277.9 | 317.2 | -39.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,783.3 | 1,582.1 | +201.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 207.4 | 426.0 | -218.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or Phoenix safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 132.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, GA
Decatur, a tree-lined city and the county seat of DeKalb, is known for its vibrant town square and independent businesses. It's home to Agnes Scott College, a historic women's college, and boasts a highly educated population, with a significant percentage holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 24,112, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,401.3 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.