Is Harlingen or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harlingen is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 20/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 5% lower. Harlingen has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harlingen has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 23.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harlingen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harlingen, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harlingen | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,976.7 | 3,125.4 | -148.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 257.8 | 800.0 | -542.3 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 8.4 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 15.4 | 64.3 | -48.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.6 | 181.6 | -141.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 200.3 | 545.3 | -345.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,718.9 | 2,325.3 | +393.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 344.6 | 317.2 | +27.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,066.2 | 1,582.1 | +484.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 308.2 | 426.0 | -117.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harlingen or Phoenix safer?
Harlingen is safer with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harlingen has a violent crime rate of 257.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Harlingen has lower violent crime.
About Harlingen, TX
Harlingen, a Rio Grande Valley city, is known for its proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, attracting birdwatchers. Historically, it served as a major railway hub. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 71,388, Harlingen has a total crime rate of 2,976.7 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.