Is Phoenix or Port Townsend Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 44/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 40% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 156.7x 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
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Port Townsend, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Port Townsend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,884.3 | +1,241.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 471.1 | +329.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 37.7 | +26.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 28.3 | +153.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 405.1 | +140.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,413.2 | +912.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 169.6 | +147.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,177.7 | +404.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 66.0 | +360.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Port Townsend safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Port Townsend has 471.1. Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.