Is Mitchell or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mitchell is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 34/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 29% lower. Mitchell has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mitchell has a 89% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 106.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mitchell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mitchell, SD
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mitchell | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,229.8 | 3,125.4 | -895.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.7 | 800.0 | -537.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.4 | 8.4 | -2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 38.4 | 64.3 | -25.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.2 | 181.6 | -162.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 198.6 | 545.3 | -346.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,967.1 | 2,325.3 | -358.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 166.6 | 317.2 | -150.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.4 | 1,582.1 | +13.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 205.0 | 426.0 | -221.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell or Phoenix safer?
Mitchell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mitchell has a violent crime rate of 262.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Mitchell has lower violent crime.
About Mitchell, SD
Mitchell, South Dakota, a city of around 15,000 residents, is home to the world-famous Corn Palace, an annual marvel of agricultural art. Located in Davison County, it serves as a regional hub for agriculture and education, with Dakota Wesleyan University. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 15,607, Mitchell has a total crime rate of 2,229.8 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.