Is Essex or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Essex is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 45/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,844 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 41% lower. Essex has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Essex has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 74.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Essex — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Essex, VT
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Essex | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,843.7 | 3,125.4 | -1,281.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 111.9 | 800.0 | -688.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 9.0 | 64.3 | -55.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.0 | 181.6 | -172.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 94.0 | 545.3 | -451.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,731.8 | 2,325.3 | -593.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 94.0 | 317.2 | -223.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,508.0 | 1,582.1 | -74.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 129.8 | 426.0 | -296.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essex or Phoenix safer?
Essex is safer with a total crime rate of 1,844 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Essex has a violent crime rate of 111.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Essex has lower violent crime.
About Essex, VT
Essex, Vermont, a town with a strong agricultural heritage, lies just east of Burlington. Its population of over 22,000 residents enjoys a mix of suburban amenities and rural charm, with many employed in the greater Chittenden County area. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 22,347, Essex has a total crime rate of 1,843.7 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.