Is Middleton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Middleton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 74/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 998 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 68% lower. Middleton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Middleton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 71.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Middleton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Middleton, WI
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Middleton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 997.7 | 3,125.4 | -2,127.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 107.1 | 800.0 | -693.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.6 | 8.4 | +0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 12.9 | 64.3 | -51.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 85.6 | 545.3 | -459.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 890.7 | 2,325.3 | -1,434.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 38.5 | 317.2 | -278.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 813.6 | 1,582.1 | -768.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 38.5 | 426.0 | -387.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middleton or Phoenix safer?
Middleton is safer with a total crime rate of 998 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Middleton has a violent crime rate of 107.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Middleton has lower violent crime.
About Middleton, WI
Middleton, Wisconsin, a suburb of Madison, boasts a strong economy and a highly educated population. Known as "The Good Neighbor City," it sits on the western shores of Lake Mendota. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 23,353, Middleton has a total crime rate of 997.7 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.