Is Gaithersburg or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 54/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 50% lower. Gaithersburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 23.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 3,125.4 | -1,560.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 800.0 | -547.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 8.4 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 64.3 | -35.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 181.6 | -117.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 545.3 | -387.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 2,325.3 | -1,013.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 317.2 | -166.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 1,582.1 | -559.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 426.0 | -288.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Phoenix safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Gaithersburg has lower violent crime.
About Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, a diverse city in Montgomery County, boasts a rich agricultural past, evidenced by its annual county fair. Situated along the I-270 technology corridor, it's a bustling hub with a significant immigrant population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 69,590, Gaithersburg has a total crime rate of 1,564.9 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.