Is Harrisburg or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harrisburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 12% lower. Harrisburg has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 33.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisburg, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisburg | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,758.8 | 3,125.4 | -366.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 766.2 | 800.0 | -33.8 |
| Murder Rate | 30.0 | 8.4 | +21.7 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 64.3 | -10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 164.1 | 181.6 | -17.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.2 | 545.3 | -31.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,992.6 | 2,325.3 | -332.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 334.1 | 317.2 | +16.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,172.4 | 1,582.1 | -409.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 486.2 | 426.0 | +60.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg or Phoenix safer?
Harrisburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,759 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisburg has a violent crime rate of 766.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Harrisburg has lower violent crime.
About Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, sits along the Susquehanna River in the state's south-central region. Known for its historic State Capitol Building, it's a diverse city with a significant government employment sector. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 49,985, Harrisburg has a total crime rate of 2,758.8 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.