Is Palmer or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palmer is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 76/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 949 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 70% lower. Palmer has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Palmer has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 132.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Palmer — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Palmer, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Palmer | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 949.4 | 3,125.4 | -2,176.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 375.0 | 800.0 | -425.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 31.9 | 64.3 | -32.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 343.1 | 545.3 | -202.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 574.4 | 2,325.3 | -1,750.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 119.7 | 317.2 | -197.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 375.0 | 1,582.1 | -1,207.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 79.8 | 426.0 | -346.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palmer or Phoenix safer?
Palmer is safer with a total crime rate of 949 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Palmer has a violent crime rate of 375.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Palmer has lower violent crime.
About Palmer, MA
Palmer, Massachusetts, a rural town in Hampden County, is known for its "Four Corners" where four distinct villages meet. Historically, it was a significant railroad hub, once home to a major roundhouse and repair shop. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 12,534, Palmer has a total crime rate of 949.4 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.