Is Phoenix or Portales Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Portales (Safety Score 17/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,653 for Portales — 14% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portales has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 141.3x 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
Portales — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Portales, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Portales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,652.7 | -527.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 781.5 | +18.5 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 8.5 | -0.1 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 51.0 | +13.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 42.5 | +139.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 679.6 | -134.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,871.2 | -545.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 1,495.1 | -1,177.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,070.3 | +511.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 305.8 | +120.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Portales safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,653 for Portales — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Portales has 781.5. Portales 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 Portales, NM
Portales, New Mexico, a Roosevelt County seat, is known for its peanut industry and as home to Eastern New Mexico University. This small city, with a population around 12,000, sits on the High Plains near the Texas border. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 11,772, Portales has a total crime rate of 3,652.7 per 100,000 residents.