Is Ferguson or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Ferguson (Safety Score 17/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,211 for Ferguson — 26% lower. Ferguson has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 93.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ferguson, MO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ferguson | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,210.8 | 3,125.4 | +1,085.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 712.1 | 800.0 | -87.9 |
| Murder Rate | 33.6 | 8.4 | +25.3 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 64.3 | -36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 181.6 | -58.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 527.1 | 545.3 | -18.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,498.7 | 2,325.3 | +1,173.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 555.1 | 317.2 | +237.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,040.9 | 1,582.1 | +458.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 902.7 | 426.0 | +476.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ferguson or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,211 for Ferguson — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ferguson has a violent crime rate of 712.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Ferguson has lower violent crime.
About Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 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.