Is Johnson City or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnson City is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 24/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 13% lower. Johnson City has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnson City has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 22.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Johnson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnson City, TN
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Johnson City | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,707.4 | 3,125.4 | -418.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 404.9 | 800.0 | -395.1 |
| Murder Rate | 5.4 | 8.4 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 75.6 | 64.3 | +11.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.7 | 181.6 | -147.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 287.5 | 545.3 | -257.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,302.5 | 2,325.3 | -22.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 203.8 | 317.2 | -113.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,924.6 | 1,582.1 | +342.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.1 | 426.0 | -251.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson City or Phoenix safer?
Johnson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Johnson City has a violent crime rate of 404.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Johnson City has lower violent crime.
About Johnson City, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a regional hub with a vibrant downtown, home to East Tennessee State University. It's known for its role in the early country music scene. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 74,093, Johnson City has a total crime rate of 2,707.4 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.