Is Lawrence or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawrence is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 16% lower. Lawrence has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lawrence has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 17.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lawrence — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawrence, KS
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lawrence | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,627.4 | 3,125.4 | -498.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 470.8 | 800.0 | -329.2 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 8.4 | -3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 74.5 | 64.3 | +10.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.1 | 181.6 | -148.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 348.7 | 545.3 | -196.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,156.6 | 2,325.3 | -168.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 229.7 | 317.2 | -87.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,762.3 | 1,582.1 | +180.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 164.5 | 426.0 | -261.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawrence or Phoenix safer?
Lawrence is safer with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 470.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Lawrence has lower violent crime.
About Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, sits on the Kansas River. This vibrant college town, with a population around 97,000, played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 96,636, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 2,627.4 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.