Is Murray or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Murray is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 55/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,528 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 51% lower. Murray has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Murray has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 91.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Murray — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Murray, KY
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Murray | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,528.2 | 3,125.4 | -1,597.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 99.0 | 800.0 | -701.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 49.5 | 64.3 | -14.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 11.0 | 181.6 | -170.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 38.5 | 545.3 | -506.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,429.3 | 2,325.3 | -896.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 153.9 | 317.2 | -163.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,214.9 | 1,582.1 | -367.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 60.5 | 426.0 | -365.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murray or Phoenix safer?
Murray is safer with a total crime rate of 1,528 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Murray has a violent crime rate of 99.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Murray has lower violent crime.
About Murray, KY
Murray, Kentucky, home to Murray State University, is a college town in Calloway County near the Tennessee border. The city's population is predominantly white, reflecting its rural Western Kentucky setting. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 18,191, Murray has a total crime rate of 1,528.2 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.