Is Hickory or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Hickory (Safety Score 17/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,234 for Hickory — 3% lower. Hickory has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hickory has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 37.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hickory — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hickory, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hickory | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,234.0 | 3,125.4 | +108.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 409.6 | 800.0 | -390.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 8.4 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 24.6 | 64.3 | -39.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.0 | 181.6 | -125.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 324.5 | 545.3 | -220.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,824.4 | 2,325.3 | +499.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 409.6 | 317.2 | +92.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,150.8 | 1,582.1 | +568.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 264.1 | 426.0 | -161.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hickory or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,234 for Hickory — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hickory has a violent crime rate of 409.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Hickory has lower violent crime.
About Hickory, NC
Nestled in the Catawba Valley, Hickory is a city of around 43,000 residents known for its furniture manufacturing heritage. It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and outdoor access. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 44,682, Hickory has a total crime rate of 3,234.0 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.