Is Onalaska or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Onalaska is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 32/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 25% lower. Onalaska has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Onalaska has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 87.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Onalaska — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Onalaska, WI
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Onalaska | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,328.5 | 3,125.4 | -796.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 36.7 | 800.0 | -763.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 21.0 | 64.3 | -43.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 15.7 | 545.3 | -529.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,291.8 | 2,325.3 | -33.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 83.9 | 317.2 | -233.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,186.9 | 1,582.1 | +604.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 21.0 | 426.0 | -405.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onalaska or Phoenix safer?
Onalaska is safer with a total crime rate of 2,329 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Onalaska has a violent crime rate of 36.7 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Onalaska has lower violent crime.
About Onalaska, WI
Onalaska, Wisconsin, nestled along the Black River, is a La Crosse suburb known as "The Sunfish Capital of the World." Its population of over 19,000 residents enjoys a mix of residential areas and commercial development. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 19,068, Onalaska has a total crime rate of 2,328.5 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.