Is New Bern or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bern is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 41/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 37% lower. New Bern has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where New Bern has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 51.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
New Bern — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New Bern, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New Bern | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,978.6 | 3,125.4 | -1,146.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 362.5 | 800.0 | -437.5 |
| Murder Rate | 12.3 | 8.4 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 64.3 | -30.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 43.0 | 181.6 | -138.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 273.4 | 545.3 | -271.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,616.1 | 2,325.3 | -709.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 273.4 | 317.2 | -43.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,293.5 | 1,582.1 | -288.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 49.2 | 426.0 | -376.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bern or Phoenix safer?
New Bern is safer with a total crime rate of 1,979 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New Bern has a violent crime rate of 362.5 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. New Bern has lower violent crime.
About New Bern, NC
New Bern, North Carolina, a colonial capital, sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. This Craven County seat is home to Tryon Palace and a population of around 30,000. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 32,548, New Bern has a total crime rate of 1,978.6 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.