Is Phoenix or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 74/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,000 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 68% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 81.1x 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, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 999.7 | +2,125.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 156.1 | +644.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 63.4 | +0.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 4.9 | +176.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 87.8 | +457.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 843.7 | +1,481.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 68.3 | +248.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 731.5 | +850.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 43.9 | +382.1 |
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 1,000 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Portland has 156.1. 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, TX
Portland, Texas, settled in the late 1800s, is a coastal town on the La Quinta Channel of Corpus Christi Bay. Its proximity to the bay and the Gulf of Mexico influences its economy and a significant portion of its residents are employed in industrial sectors. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 20,506, Portland has a total crime rate of 999.7 per 100,000 residents.