Is National City or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, National City is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 16% lower. National City has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
Note: Phoenix is 30.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
National City, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | National City | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,635.0 | 3,125.4 | -490.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 695.6 | 800.0 | -104.4 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 8.4 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 29.1 | 64.3 | -35.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 222.2 | 181.6 | +40.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 437.0 | 545.3 | -108.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,939.4 | 2,325.3 | -386.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 242.2 | 317.2 | -75.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,039.8 | 1,582.1 | -542.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 657.4 | 426.0 | +231.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National City or Phoenix safer?
National City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
National City has a violent crime rate of 695.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. National City has lower violent crime.
About National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 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.