Is Phoenix or Plainfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plainfield is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,021 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 35% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Plainfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 29.7x 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
Plainfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Plainfield, NJ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Plainfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,020.5 | +1,104.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 410.9 | +389.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 14.3 | +50.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 103.6 | +78.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 293.0 | +252.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,609.7 | +715.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 135.8 | +181.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,345.2 | +236.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 128.6 | +297.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Plainfield safer?
Plainfield is safer with a total crime rate of 2,021 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Plainfield has 410.9. Plainfield 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 Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield, "The Queen City," boasts a rich Victorian architectural heritage and a diverse population. Situated in Union County, it was once a popular resort town for wealthy New Yorkers. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 55,975, Plainfield has a total crime rate of 2,020.5 per 100,000 residents.