Is Missoula or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 17/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 26% lower. Missoula has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Missoula has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 21.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula, MT
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Missoula | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,226.3 | 3,125.4 | +1,100.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 596.9 | 800.0 | -203.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 8.4 | -5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 106.5 | 64.3 | +42.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.6 | 181.6 | -136.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 442.3 | 545.3 | -103.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,629.4 | 2,325.3 | +1,304.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.2 | 317.2 | +6.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,108.6 | 1,582.1 | +1,526.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.7 | 426.0 | -228.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missoula or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Missoula has a violent crime rate of 596.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Missoula has lower violent crime.
About Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 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.