Is Lancaster or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 43/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 39% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 29.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lancaster — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lancaster, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lancaster | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,914.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,211.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 462.3 | 800.0 | -337.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 8.4 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 31.6 | 64.3 | -32.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.1 | 181.6 | -153.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 397.3 | 545.3 | -148.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,451.9 | 2,325.3 | -873.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 107.2 | 317.2 | -210.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,181.2 | 1,582.1 | -400.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 163.5 | 426.0 | -262.6 |
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 1,914 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Lancaster has lower violent crime.
About Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 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.