Is Los Altos or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 63/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 59% lower. Los Altos has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Altos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 56.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Los Altos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Los Altos, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Los Altos | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,289.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,836.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 77.8 | 800.0 | -722.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 10.2 | 64.3 | -54.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 16.9 | 181.6 | -164.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 50.8 | 545.3 | -494.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,211.5 | 2,325.3 | -1,113.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 253.8 | 317.2 | -63.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 903.5 | 1,582.1 | -678.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.1 | 426.0 | -371.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Altos or Phoenix safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Los Altos has a violent crime rate of 77.8 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Los Altos has lower violent crime.
About Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, a suburban community in Santa Clara County, was incorporated in 1956. Known for its affluent residential areas and a charming downtown, it's situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 29,551, Los Altos has a total crime rate of 1,289.3 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.