Is Dubuque or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dubuque is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 45/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 41% lower. Dubuque has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Dubuque has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 28.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dubuque — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dubuque, IA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dubuque | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,835.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,289.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 400.9 | 800.0 | -399.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.7 | 8.4 | -6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 80.2 | 64.3 | +15.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.9 | 181.6 | -157.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 295.1 | 545.3 | -250.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,434.7 | 2,325.3 | -890.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.6 | 317.2 | -88.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,112.3 | 1,582.1 | -469.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 93.8 | 426.0 | -332.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubuque or Phoenix safer?
Dubuque is safer with a total crime rate of 1,836 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dubuque has a violent crime rate of 400.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Dubuque has lower violent crime.
About Dubuque, IA
Perched on the Mississippi River, Dubuque is Iowa's oldest city, boasting a rich industrial past. This Tri-State Area hub, with a population around 60,000, sits at the convergence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 58,620, Dubuque has a total crime rate of 1,835.6 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.