Is Monterey or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Monterey is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 36/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 31% lower. Monterey has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Monterey has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 57.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Monterey — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Monterey, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Monterey | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,170.7 | 3,125.4 | -954.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 389.0 | 800.0 | -411.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 66.0 | 64.3 | +1.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.5 | 181.6 | -119.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 253.5 | 545.3 | -291.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,781.7 | 2,325.3 | -543.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.4 | 317.2 | -42.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,413.6 | 1,582.1 | -168.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 93.8 | 426.0 | -332.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey or Phoenix safer?
Monterey is safer with a total crime rate of 2,171 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Monterey has a violent crime rate of 389.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Monterey has lower violent crime.
About Monterey, CA
Nestled on Monterey Bay, this coastal city is famed for Cannery Row's sardine industry past. Its population is approximately 30,000, with a significant portion of residents over 65. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 28,792, Monterey has a total crime rate of 2,170.7 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.