Is Medford or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Medford is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 61/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 56% lower. Medford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 27.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,379.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,746.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 179.5 | 800.0 | -620.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.8 | 64.3 | -42.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.5 | 181.6 | -158.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 134.2 | 545.3 | -411.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,199.6 | 2,325.3 | -1,125.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 77.2 | 317.2 | -240.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,006.7 | 1,582.1 | -575.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 115.8 | 426.0 | -310.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Phoenix safer?
Medford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,379 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 179.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, MA
Medford, home to Tufts University, is a historic city just north of Boston. Situated along the Mystic River, it's a densely populated community with a rich past, including its shipbuilding heritage. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 59,601, Medford has a total crime rate of 1,379.2 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.