Is Lakes Area or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakes Area is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 83/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 761 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 76% lower. Lakes Area has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakes Area has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 154.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lakes Area — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lakes Area, MN
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lakes Area | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 760.6 | 3,125.4 | -2,364.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 102.0 | 800.0 | -698.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 46.4 | 64.3 | -17.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.7 | 545.3 | -489.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 658.6 | 2,325.3 | -1,666.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 37.1 | 317.2 | -280.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 593.6 | 1,582.1 | -988.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 27.8 | 426.0 | -398.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakes Area or Phoenix safer?
Lakes Area is safer with a total crime rate of 761 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lakes Area has a violent crime rate of 102.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Lakes Area has lower violent crime.
About Lakes Area, MN
The Lakes Area of Minnesota, known for its abundant freshwater lakes popular with tourists and retirees, is home to Brainerd, a city established during the Northern Pacific Railway's westward expansion. This region, predominantly White, experiences seasonal population shifts. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 10,781, Lakes Area has a total crime rate of 760.6 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.