Is Lancaster or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 28/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 19% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 39.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, OH
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,530.8 | 3,125.4 | -594.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 405.4 | 800.0 | -394.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 8.4 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 86.4 | 64.3 | +22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.8 | 181.6 | -164.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 290.3 | 545.3 | -255.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,125.4 | 2,325.3 | -200.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 194.3 | 317.2 | -122.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,808.7 | 1,582.1 | +226.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 122.3 | 426.0 | -303.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster or Phoenix safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 2,531 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 405.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, OH
Lancaster, Ohio, founded in 1800, is a city in Fairfield County known for being the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Situated along the Hocking River, its population hovers around 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 41,687, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 2,530.8 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.