Is Phoenix or Puyallup Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Puyallup (Safety Score 17/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,244 for Puyallup — 26% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Puyallup has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 39.7x 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
Puyallup — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Puyallup, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Puyallup | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 4,243.6 | -1,118.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 374.7 | +425.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.4 | +6.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 33.4 | +30.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 85.9 | +95.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 253.0 | +292.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,868.9 | -1,543.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 448.7 | -131.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,572.9 | -990.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 847.3 | -421.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Puyallup safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,244 for Puyallup — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Puyallup has 374.7. Puyallup 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 Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, home of the Washington State Fair, is a suburban city in Pierce County, nestled in the Puyallup River valley. Its proximity to Mount Rainier offers scenic views and draws a diverse population. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 41,898, Puyallup has a total crime rate of 4,243.6 per 100,000 residents.