Is Newton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 33/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,287 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 27% lower. Newton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Newton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 91.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Newton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Newton, KS
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,286.9 | 3,125.4 | -838.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 617.2 | 800.0 | -182.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 77.2 | 64.3 | +12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.2 | 181.6 | -104.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 462.9 | 545.3 | -82.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,669.7 | 2,325.3 | -655.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 303.1 | 317.2 | -14.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,201.3 | 1,582.1 | -380.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 165.3 | 426.0 | -260.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newton or Phoenix safer?
Newton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,287 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newton has a violent crime rate of 617.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Newton has lower violent crime.
About Newton, KS
Newton, Kansas, the "Railroad Capital of Kansas," began as a wild cowtown on the Santa Fe Trail. Located in Harvey County, it's a small city with a population just under 20,000. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 18,147, Newton has a total crime rate of 2,286.9 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.