Is Dekalb or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dekalb is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 7% lower. Dekalb has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dekalb has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 41.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dekalb, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dekalb | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,907.4 | 3,125.4 | -218.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.0 | 800.0 | -407.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 151.7 | 64.3 | +87.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 181.6 | -146.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 206.4 | 545.3 | -338.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,514.4 | 2,325.3 | +189.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 338.2 | 317.2 | +21.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,124.0 | 1,582.1 | +541.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.2 | 426.0 | -373.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dekalb or Phoenix safer?
Dekalb is safer with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dekalb has a violent crime rate of 393.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Dekalb has lower violent crime.
About Dekalb, IL
DeKalb, Illinois, home to Northern Illinois University, is a city in DeKalb County, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It's known as the "Barb City" due to Joseph Glidden's invention of barbed wire here. The population is diverse, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 40,208, Dekalb has a total crime rate of 2,907.4 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.