Is Payson or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 57/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 52% lower. Payson has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Payson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 98.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Payson, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Payson | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,490.1 | 3,125.4 | -1,635.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.1 | 800.0 | -532.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 64.3 | -64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 181.6 | -181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 261.2 | 545.3 | -284.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,222.9 | 2,325.3 | -1,102.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 219.7 | 317.2 | -97.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.7 | 1,582.1 | -709.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.6 | 426.0 | -295.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payson or Phoenix safer?
Payson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Payson has a violent crime rate of 267.1 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Payson has lower violent crime.
About Payson, AZ
Payson, Arizona, "Heart of Arizona," is a small town in Gila County, nestled in the Mogollon Rim. Known for its rodeo heritage, it boasts a population of around 16,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 16,845, Payson has a total crime rate of 1,490.1 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.