Is Golden or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Golden is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 28/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 20% lower. Golden has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 82.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Golden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Golden, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Golden | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,510.8 | 3,125.4 | -614.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 123.8 | 800.0 | -676.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 5.0 | 64.3 | -59.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.9 | 181.6 | -166.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 104.0 | 545.3 | -441.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,387.0 | 2,325.3 | +61.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 252.6 | 317.2 | -64.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,832.3 | 1,582.1 | +250.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 302.1 | 426.0 | -124.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golden or Phoenix safer?
Golden is safer with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Golden has a violent crime rate of 123.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Golden has lower violent crime.
About Golden, CO
Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is home to Coors Brewery, a major employer since 1873. This historic city, with a population around 20,000, sits along Clear Creek, just west of Denver. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 20,193, Golden has a total crime rate of 2,510.8 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.