Is Phoenix or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 24/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 13% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Pittsburgh has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 5.2x 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
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,708.6 | +416.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 428.5 | +371.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 11.4 | -3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 51.7 | +12.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 124.2 | +57.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 239.9 | +305.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,280.1 | +45.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 232.7 | +84.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,704.4 | -122.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 343.0 | +83.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.