Is Iowa City or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 36% lower. Iowa City has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 21.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Iowa City, IA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Iowa City | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,995.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,130.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 321.3 | 800.0 | -478.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 54.0 | 64.3 | -10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.0 | 181.6 | -131.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 217.3 | 545.3 | -328.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.8 | 2,325.3 | -651.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.7 | 317.2 | -160.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,389.4 | 1,582.1 | -192.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 127.7 | 426.0 | -298.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iowa City or Phoenix safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Iowa City has a violent crime rate of 321.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Iowa City has lower violent crime.
About Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 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.