Is Norman or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norman is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 28/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 19% lower. Norman has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norman has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 12.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norman, OK
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norman | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,529.8 | 3,125.4 | -595.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.2 | 800.0 | -536.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 8.4 | -7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 39.0 | 64.3 | -25.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.4 | 181.6 | -163.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 202.0 | 545.3 | -343.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,266.6 | 2,325.3 | -58.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 351.2 | 317.2 | +34.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.3 | 1,582.1 | +105.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 228.0 | 426.0 | -198.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norman or Phoenix safer?
Norman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 19% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norman has a violent crime rate of 263.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Norman has lower violent crime.
About Norman, OK
Norman, Oklahoma, home to the University of Oklahoma, is a city in Cleveland County with a significant student population. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it lies within the Cross Timbers eco-region. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 130,681, Norman has a total crime rate of 2,529.8 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.