Is Mcallen or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mcallen is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 41/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 36% lower. Mcallen has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mcallen has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 11.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mcallen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mcallen, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mcallen | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,986.3 | 3,125.4 | -1,139.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 150.7 | 800.0 | -649.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 8.4 | -5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 39.2 | 64.3 | -25.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.7 | 181.6 | -158.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 84.5 | 545.3 | -460.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,835.6 | 2,325.3 | -489.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.5 | 317.2 | -253.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.5 | 1,582.1 | +122.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 67.6 | 426.0 | -358.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mcallen or Phoenix safer?
Mcallen is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mcallen has a violent crime rate of 150.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Mcallen has lower violent crime.
About Mcallen, TX
McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley, thrives as a major retail and medical hub. Its subtropical climate and proximity to the Mexican border, just south of Hidalgo, have historically shaped its unique cultural identity. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 148,017, Mcallen has a total crime rate of 1,986.3 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.