Is Phoenix or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 12% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portland has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 24.0x 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
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,745.6 | +379.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 266.9 | +533.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 7.2 | +1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 41.8 | +22.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 50.5 | +131.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 167.4 | +378.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,478.7 | -153.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 145.7 | +171.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,177.2 | -595.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 155.8 | +270.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Portland safer?
Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Portland 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 Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.