Is Medford or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Medford (Safety Score 17/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,324 for Medford — 28% lower. Medford has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Medford has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 19.6x 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, OR
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,323.7 | 3,125.4 | +1,198.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.9 | 800.0 | -308.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 8.4 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 63.7 | 64.3 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 89.7 | 181.6 | -92.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.0 | 545.3 | -210.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,831.7 | 2,325.3 | +1,506.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 290.2 | 317.2 | -27.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,338.6 | 1,582.1 | +1,756.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 202.9 | 426.0 | -223.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,324 for Medford — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 491.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 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.