Is Key West or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Key West is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 16% lower. Key West has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 67.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Key West — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Key West, FL
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Key West | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,611.7 | 3,125.4 | -513.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 352.3 | 800.0 | -447.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 52.6 | 64.3 | -11.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 32.4 | 181.6 | -149.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 267.2 | 545.3 | -278.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,259.4 | 2,325.3 | -66.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 317.2 | -102.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,988.1 | 1,582.1 | +406.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.7 | 426.0 | -369.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Key West or Phoenix safer?
Key West is safer with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Key West has a violent crime rate of 352.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Key West has lower violent crime.
About Key West, FL
Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 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.