Is Fairbanks or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Fairbanks (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Fairbanks — 25% lower. Fairbanks has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 33% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 52.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fairbanks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairbanks, AK
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairbanks | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,167.2 | 3,125.4 | +1,041.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.0 | 800.0 | -96.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.3 | 8.4 | -2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 120.0 | 64.3 | +55.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 132.6 | 181.6 | -49.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 438.8 | 545.3 | -106.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,463.2 | 2,325.3 | +1,137.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 296.8 | 317.2 | -20.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,847.6 | 1,582.1 | +1,265.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 318.9 | 426.0 | -107.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairbanks or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,167 for Fairbanks — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairbanks has a violent crime rate of 704.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Fairbanks has lower violent crime.
About Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, Alaska, a city founded on gold mining, sits just 190 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Its population of roughly 32,000 residents experiences extreme seasonal light variations, from near-total darkness to the midnight sun. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 31,676, Fairbanks has a total crime rate of 4,167.2 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.