Is Lafayette or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 61/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 57% lower. Lafayette has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 66.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lafayette | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,347.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,777.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 80.2 | 800.0 | -719.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 64.3 | -64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.1 | 181.6 | -141.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 40.1 | 545.3 | -505.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,267.4 | 2,325.3 | -1,058.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 104.3 | 317.2 | -212.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,102.9 | 1,582.1 | -479.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.2 | 426.0 | -365.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lafayette or Phoenix safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 1,348 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 80.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
About Lafayette, CA
Nestled in the East Bay hills, Lafayette is a suburban community known for its top-rated schools and the annual "Reservoir Run." This affluent town, largely composed of families and commuters, offers a peaceful, tree-lined environment. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 24,934, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 1,347.6 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.