Is Melissa or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melissa is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 96/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 377 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 88% lower. Melissa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Melissa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 59.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Melissa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Melissa, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Melissa | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 377.3 | 3,125.4 | -2,748.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 35.9 | 800.0 | -764.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 7.2 | 64.3 | -57.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 28.7 | 545.3 | -516.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 341.4 | 2,325.3 | -1,984.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 61.1 | 317.2 | -256.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 247.9 | 1,582.1 | -1,334.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 32.3 | 426.0 | -393.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melissa or Phoenix safer?
Melissa is safer with a total crime rate of 377 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Melissa has a violent crime rate of 35.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Melissa has lower violent crime.
About Melissa, TX
Melissa, Texas, a rapidly growing community north of Dallas, was established in 1873 along the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. With a population exceeding 20,000, it's transforming from a rural farming area into a bustling suburban hub. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 27,831, Melissa has a total crime rate of 377.3 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.