Is Newton or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Newton is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 87/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 648 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 79% 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 18.5x 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, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Newton | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 648.3 | 3,125.4 | -2,477.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 48.9 | 800.0 | -751.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 10.0 | 64.3 | -54.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 1.1 | 181.6 | -180.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 37.8 | 545.3 | -507.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 599.3 | 2,325.3 | -1,726.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.4 | 317.2 | -253.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 501.5 | 1,582.1 | -1,080.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 34.5 | 426.0 | -391.6 |
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 648 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Newton has a violent crime rate of 48.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Newton has lower violent crime.
About Newton, MA
Newton, a suburban city in Middlesex County, is home to Boston College. Known for its distinct "villages," it's one of Massachusetts' wealthiest communities. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 89,935, Newton has a total crime rate of 648.3 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.