Is Las Vegas or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 37/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 32% lower. Las Vegas has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Vegas has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 129.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Vegas | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,122.4 | 3,125.4 | -1,003.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 655.4 | 800.0 | -144.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 8.4 | -0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 64.3 | -40.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.0 | 181.6 | -142.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 585.2 | 545.3 | +39.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,466.9 | 2,325.3 | -858.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 249.7 | 317.2 | -67.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,108.0 | 1,582.1 | -474.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 109.2 | 426.0 | -316.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas or Phoenix safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Vegas has a violent crime rate of 655.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Las Vegas has lower violent crime.
About Las Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 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.