Is Gastonia or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Gastonia (Safety Score 17/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,364 for Gastonia — 28% lower. Gastonia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gastonia has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gastonia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gastonia, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gastonia | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,363.7 | 3,125.4 | +1,238.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 849.5 | 800.0 | +49.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 8.4 | -3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 37.6 | 64.3 | -26.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 123.4 | 181.6 | -58.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 683.8 | 545.3 | +138.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,514.2 | 2,325.3 | +1,188.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 512.3 | 317.2 | +195.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,587.2 | 1,582.1 | +1,005.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 414.8 | 426.0 | -11.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gastonia or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,364 for Gastonia — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gastonia has a violent crime rate of 849.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Gastonia, NC
Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with a rich textile history, sits west of Charlotte in Gaston County. Its population of over 80,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 85,112, Gastonia has a total crime rate of 4,363.7 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.