Is Phoenix or Poplar Bluff Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poplar Bluff is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 99/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 248 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 92% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Poplar Bluff has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 103.2x 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
Poplar Bluff — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Poplar Bluff, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Poplar Bluff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 248.3 | +2,877.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 37.3 | +762.8 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 12.4 | -4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 12.4 | +51.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 12.4 | +532.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 211.1 | +2,114.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 31.0 | +286.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 149.0 | +1,433.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 31.0 | +395.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Poplar Bluff safer?
Poplar Bluff is safer with a total crime rate of 248 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 92% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Poplar Bluff has 37.3. Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff, MO
Nestled in the Ozark Foothills, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was once a major lumber producer, shipping timber via the Black River. Today, it serves as a regional hub for southeast Missouri, with a population around 17,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 16,108, Poplar Bluff has a total crime rate of 248.3 per 100,000 residents.