Is Fayetteville or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fayetteville is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 11% lower. Fayetteville has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fayetteville has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 16.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fayetteville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fayetteville, AR
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fayetteville | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,794.7 | 3,125.4 | -330.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 423.7 | 800.0 | -376.4 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 8.4 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 52.8 | 64.3 | -11.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.9 | 181.6 | -154.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 336.3 | 545.3 | -209.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,371.1 | 2,325.3 | +45.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 317.2 | -88.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,944.5 | 1,582.1 | +362.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.9 | 426.0 | -228.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Phoenix safer?
Fayetteville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fayetteville has a violent crime rate of 423.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Fayetteville has lower violent crime.
About Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville, Arkansas, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, is home to the University of Arkansas and a vibrant arts scene. Its population of over 95,000 residents enjoys a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 104,089, Fayetteville has a total crime rate of 2,794.7 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.