Is Moses Lake or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Moses Lake (Safety Score 17/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,631 for Moses Lake — 33% lower. Moses Lake has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 62.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moses Lake — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moses Lake, WA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moses Lake | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,631.2 | 3,125.4 | +1,505.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 394.4 | 800.0 | -405.7 |
| Murder Rate | 22.5 | 8.4 | +14.2 |
| Rape Rate | 22.5 | 64.3 | -41.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.9 | 181.6 | -102.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 270.4 | 545.3 | -274.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,236.8 | 2,325.3 | +1,911.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 612.2 | 317.2 | +295.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,444.3 | 1,582.1 | +1,862.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 180.3 | 426.0 | -245.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moses Lake or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,631 for Moses Lake — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moses Lake has a violent crime rate of 394.4 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Moses Lake has lower violent crime.
About Moses Lake, WA
Moses Lake, a city in Grant County, Washington, is named for a lake formed by the Columbia Basin Project. The area is known for its agricultural roots and draws a diverse population, including a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 26,624, Moses Lake has a total crime rate of 4,631.2 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.