Is Ontario or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ontario is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 33% lower. Ontario has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ontario has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 9.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ontario — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ontario, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ontario | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,089.7 | 3,125.4 | -1,035.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.2 | 800.0 | -527.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.2 | 8.4 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 43.8 | 64.3 | -20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.4 | 181.6 | -104.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 148.8 | 545.3 | -396.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,817.5 | 2,325.3 | -507.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 238.7 | 317.2 | -78.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,113.3 | 1,582.1 | -468.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 465.5 | 426.0 | +39.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ontario or Phoenix safer?
Ontario is safer with a total crime rate of 2,090 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ontario has a violent crime rate of 272.2 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Ontario has lower violent crime.
About Ontario, CA
Ontario, California, once known for its citrus groves and "Model Colony" design, sits in the Inland Empire. This diverse city, home to over 180,000 residents, serves as a logistics hub for Southern California. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 184,763, Ontario has a total crime rate of 2,089.7 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.