Is Mesa or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 42/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 38% lower. Mesa has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mesa has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 3,125.4 | -1,177.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 800.0 | -316.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 8.4 | -5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 64.3 | -20.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 181.6 | -131.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 545.3 | -159.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 2,325.3 | -860.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 317.2 | -129.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 1,582.1 | -503.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 426.0 | -227.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Phoenix safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Mesa has lower violent crime.
About Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, a sprawling Sonoran Desert city, is home to a significant proportion of the state's Mormon population, reflecting its early agricultural settlements. It's the most populous city in the East Valley, bordering Tempe to the west. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 513,585, Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,947.9 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.