Is Laurel or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 17/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 41% lower. Laurel has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 52% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 56.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel, MD
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Laurel | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,255.2 | 3,125.4 | +2,129.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.7 | 800.0 | -406.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.9 | 8.4 | -1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 24.0 | 64.3 | -40.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.1 | 181.6 | -51.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 232.8 | 545.3 | -312.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,861.5 | 2,325.3 | +2,536.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 198.6 | 317.2 | -118.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,752.3 | 1,582.1 | +2,170.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 910.7 | 426.0 | +484.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Laurel has a violent crime rate of 393.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Laurel has lower violent crime.
About Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 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.