Is Evanston or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Evanston is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 8% lower. Evanston has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Evanston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 22.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Evanston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Evanston, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Evanston | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,883.6 | 3,125.4 | -241.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 141.6 | 800.0 | -658.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 31.0 | 64.3 | -33.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.3 | 181.6 | -126.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.3 | 545.3 | -490.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,742.1 | 2,325.3 | +416.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 451.6 | 317.2 | +134.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,054.5 | 1,582.1 | +472.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 235.9 | 426.0 | -190.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evanston or Phoenix safer?
Evanston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Evanston has a violent crime rate of 141.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Evanston has lower violent crime.
About Evanston, IL
Evanston, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan, is home to Northwestern University, a prestigious private institution. Its diverse population reflects a mix of students, families, and long-time residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 74,178, Evanston has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 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.