Is Matthews or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Matthews is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 22/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,839 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 9% lower. Matthews has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Matthews has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 52.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Matthews — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Matthews, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Matthews | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,838.8 | 3,125.4 | -286.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 184.6 | 800.0 | -615.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 19.1 | 64.3 | -45.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 63.7 | 181.6 | -118.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 101.8 | 545.3 | -443.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,654.2 | 2,325.3 | +328.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 350.1 | 317.2 | +32.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,119.5 | 1,582.1 | +537.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 184.6 | 426.0 | -241.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matthews or Phoenix safer?
Matthews is safer with a total crime rate of 2,839 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Matthews has a violent crime rate of 184.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Matthews has lower violent crime.
About Matthews, NC
Matthews, a Charlotte suburb, was once a thriving cotton community. Located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, it's home to a diverse population of over 30,000 residents. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 31,422, Matthews has a total crime rate of 2,838.8 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.