Is Denver or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Denver (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 46% lower. Denver has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 3,125.4 | +2,629.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 800.0 | +193.1 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 8.4 | +1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 64.3 | +29.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 181.6 | -5.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 545.3 | +168.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 2,325.3 | +2,436.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 317.2 | +390.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 1,582.1 | +1,239.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 426.0 | +805.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Denver, CO
Denver, the "Mile High City," sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, a hub of Western expansion since its 1858 founding during the Gold Rush. This rapidly growing city is home to a diverse population of over 700,000 residents. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 722,031, Denver has a total crime rate of 5,754.7 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.