Is Phoenix or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 17/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,613 for Portsmouth — 32% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 17.1x 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
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Portsmouth, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 4,613.2 | -1,487.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 752.4 | +47.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 37.1 | -28.7 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 36.0 | +28.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 167.8 | +13.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 511.6 | +33.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,860.8 | -1,535.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 424.1 | -106.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,920.1 | -1,337.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 516.7 | -90.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Portsmouth safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,613 for Portsmouth — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Portsmouth has 752.4. Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 per 100,000 residents.