Is Myrtle Beach or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 17/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 54% lower. Myrtle Beach has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 40.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Myrtle Beach, SC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Myrtle Beach | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,767.1 | 3,125.4 | +3,641.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,111.6 | 800.0 | +311.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.2 | 8.4 | +3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 185.3 | 64.3 | +121.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 173.1 | 181.6 | -8.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 741.1 | 545.3 | +195.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,655.5 | 2,325.3 | +3,330.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 446.1 | 317.2 | +128.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,814.5 | 1,582.1 | +3,232.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.9 | 426.0 | -31.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrtle Beach or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Myrtle Beach has a violent crime rate of 1,111.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 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.