Is Oakland or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 17/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 66% lower. Oakland has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Phoenix has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 3.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oakland, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oakland | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 9,155.7 | 3,125.4 | +6,030.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,925.3 | 800.0 | +1,125.3 |
| Murder Rate | 18.6 | 8.4 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 68.0 | 64.3 | +3.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 680.4 | 181.6 | +498.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,158.3 | 545.3 | +612.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 7,230.3 | 2,325.3 | +4,905.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 786.8 | 317.2 | +469.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,164.7 | 1,582.1 | +2,582.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 2,278.9 | 426.0 | +1,852.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oakland has a violent crime rate of 1,925.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix has lower violent crime.
About Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 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.