Is Fresno or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Fresno (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,008 for Fresno — 22% lower. Fresno has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fresno has a 30% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fresno — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fresno, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fresno | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,007.5 | 3,125.4 | +882.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 736.2 | 800.0 | -63.8 |
| Murder Rate | 5.9 | 8.4 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 44.6 | 64.3 | -19.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 167.9 | 181.6 | -13.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 517.1 | 545.3 | -28.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,271.3 | 2,325.3 | +946.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 396.2 | 317.2 | +79.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,204.1 | 1,582.1 | +621.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 671.1 | 426.0 | +245.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,008 for Fresno — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fresno has a violent crime rate of 736.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Fresno has lower violent crime.
About Fresno, CA
Fresno, the "Raisin Capital of the World," is a Central Valley city with a diverse population exceeding 540,000. Its agricultural roots are deep, situated amidst fertile farmland and experiencing hot, dry summers. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 546,722, Fresno has a total crime rate of 4,007.5 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.