Is Harrisonburg or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harrisonburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 41/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,960 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 37% lower. Harrisonburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harrisonburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 32.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisonburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisonburg, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisonburg | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,960.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,165.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.2 | 800.0 | -532.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 56.6 | 64.3 | -7.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.5 | 181.6 | -160.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.2 | 545.3 | -356.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,693.0 | 2,325.3 | -632.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 134.6 | 317.2 | -182.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,472.6 | 1,582.1 | -109.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.8 | 426.0 | -340.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Phoenix safer?
Harrisonburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,960 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisonburg has a violent crime rate of 267.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Harrisonburg has lower violent crime.
About Harrisonburg, VA
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and a vibrant downtown. It boasts a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 51,270, Harrisonburg has a total crime rate of 1,960.2 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.