Is Fort Collins or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Collins is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 30/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 22% lower. Fort Collins has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fort Collins has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 9.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fort Collins — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fort Collins, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fort Collins | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,429.2 | 3,125.4 | -696.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 273.9 | 800.0 | -526.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.8 | 8.4 | -6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 22.9 | 64.3 | -41.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 24.6 | 181.6 | -157.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 223.5 | 545.3 | -321.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,155.3 | 2,325.3 | -170.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 228.7 | 317.2 | -88.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,742.4 | 1,582.1 | +160.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 184.2 | 426.0 | -241.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Collins or Phoenix safer?
Fort Collins is safer with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fort Collins has a violent crime rate of 273.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Fort Collins has lower violent crime.
About Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its economy benefits from a strong craft brewing industry and a young, educated population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 170,509, Fort Collins has a total crime rate of 2,429.2 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.