Is Palm Springs or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Palm Springs (Safety Score 17/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,821 for Palm Springs — 18% lower. Palm Springs has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 28% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 36.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Palm Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Palm Springs, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Palm Springs | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,821.1 | 3,125.4 | +695.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 607.9 | 800.0 | -192.2 |
| Murder Rate | 11.0 | 8.4 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 68.3 | 64.3 | +4.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 147.6 | 181.6 | -34.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 376.6 | 545.3 | -168.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,213.2 | 2,325.3 | +887.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 385.4 | 317.2 | +68.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,354.3 | 1,582.1 | +772.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 473.5 | 426.0 | +47.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Springs or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,821 for Palm Springs — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Palm Springs has a violent crime rate of 607.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Palm Springs has lower violent crime.
About Palm Springs, CA
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is an iconic desert resort known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a playground for Hollywood's elite. Its population swells seasonally, attracting snowbirds and tourists seeking warm weather and leisure. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 45,406, Palm Springs has a total crime rate of 3,821.1 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.