Is Denton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Denton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 42/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 38% lower. Denton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Denton has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 10.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denton, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,948.8 | 3,125.4 | -1,176.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 204.2 | 800.0 | -595.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 8.4 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 57.7 | 64.3 | -6.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.1 | 181.6 | -155.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 116.1 | 545.3 | -429.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.6 | 2,325.3 | -580.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.1 | 317.2 | -184.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,470.5 | 1,582.1 | -111.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 141.0 | 426.0 | -285.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denton or Phoenix safer?
Denton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denton has a violent crime rate of 204.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Denton has lower violent crime.
About Denton, TX
Denton, home to two universities, is a growing city north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Its vibrant music scene, particularly its jazz heritage, is well-known. The population is diverse, with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 164,565, Denton has a total crime rate of 1,948.8 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.