Is Phoenix or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 17/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 31% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rapid City has a 43% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 20.5x 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
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 4,516.0 | -1,390.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 723.8 | +76.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 6.2 | +2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 135.9 | -71.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 103.8 | +77.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 473.1 | +72.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,792.1 | -1,466.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 427.4 | -110.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,986.8 | -1,404.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 378.0 | +48.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Rapid City safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. Rapid 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 Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, nestled at the foot of the Black Hills, is a gateway to Mount Rushmore. This city in western South Dakota has a population of over 78,000, making it the second largest in the state. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 80,957, Rapid City has a total crime rate of 4,516.0 per 100,000 residents.