Is Ellensburg or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 30/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 23% lower. Ellensburg has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 90.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ellensburg, WA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ellensburg | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,409.1 | 3,125.4 | -716.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 227.4 | 800.0 | -572.7 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 8.4 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 92.0 | 64.3 | +27.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.7 | 181.6 | -160.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 108.3 | 545.3 | -437.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,181.7 | 2,325.3 | -143.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 243.6 | 317.2 | -73.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,856.9 | 1,582.1 | +274.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 81.2 | 426.0 | -344.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellensburg or Phoenix safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ellensburg has a violent crime rate of 227.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Ellensburg has lower violent crime.
About Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 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.