Is Phoenix or Rainbow City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rainbow City is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 74/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,013 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 Rainbow City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 160.5x 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
Rainbow City — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Rainbow City, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rainbow City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,013.3 | +2,112.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 86.9 | +713.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 19.3 | +45.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 67.6 | +477.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 926.5 | +1,398.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 96.5 | +220.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 762.4 | +819.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 67.6 | +358.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Rainbow City safer?
Rainbow City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,013 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 Rainbow City has 86.9. Rainbow City 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 Rainbow City, AL
Rainbow City, Alabama, named for a local legend of a rainbow arcing over the river, sits in Etowah County. This small city, with a population around 10,000, lies on the Coosa River, offering scenic views. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 10,362, Rainbow City has a total crime rate of 1,013.3 per 100,000 residents.