Is Foster City or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Foster City is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 84/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 739 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 76% lower. Foster City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Foster City has a 100% 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.
Foster City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Foster City, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Foster City | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 738.6 | 3,125.4 | -2,386.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 69.4 | 800.0 | -730.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 6.3 | 64.3 | -58.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.1 | 181.6 | -159.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 41.0 | 545.3 | -504.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 669.2 | 2,325.3 | -1,656.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 22.1 | 317.2 | -295.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 555.6 | 1,582.1 | -1,026.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 91.5 | 426.0 | -334.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foster City or Phoenix safer?
Foster City is safer with a total crime rate of 739 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Foster City has a violent crime rate of 69.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Foster City has lower violent crime.
About Foster City, CA
Foster City, a master-planned community built on reclaimed land in San Mateo County, sits on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its lagoons and canals, a defining feature, are home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 31,680, Foster City has a total crime rate of 738.6 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.