Is Huntington Beach or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntington Beach is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 35/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 30% lower. Huntington Beach has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Huntington Beach has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Huntington Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntington Beach, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Huntington Beach | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,196.4 | 3,125.4 | -928.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 207.3 | 800.0 | -592.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.6 | 8.4 | -5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 34.7 | 64.3 | -29.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 51.0 | 181.6 | -130.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 118.9 | 545.3 | -426.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,989.2 | 2,325.3 | -336.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 201.0 | 317.2 | -116.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,644.0 | 1,582.1 | +61.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 144.2 | 426.0 | -281.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntington Beach or Phoenix safer?
Huntington Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Huntington Beach has a violent crime rate of 207.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Huntington Beach has lower violent crime.
About Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, "Surf City, USA," stretches along the Pacific, a vibrant Orange County city with a significant tourist draw. Its lengthy pier and consistent waves attract a youthful, active population. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 190,081, Huntington Beach has a total crime rate of 2,196.4 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.