Is Phoenix or Pittsburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburg is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 17% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pittsburg has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 22.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburg, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Pittsburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,609.1 | +516.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 460.2 | +339.8 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.6 | +5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 37.0 | +27.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 112.4 | +69.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 308.1 | +237.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,148.9 | +176.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 321.3 | -4.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,024.9 | +557.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 802.7 | -376.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Pittsburg safer?
Pittsburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,609 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Pittsburg has 460.2. Pittsburg has lower violent crime.
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.
About Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg, California, once a thriving fishing port, sits on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This diverse East Bay city has a population of over 76,000, with a significant Hispanic and Latino presence. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 75,621, Pittsburg has a total crime rate of 2,609.1 per 100,000 residents.