Is Phoenix or Richmond Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Richmond (Safety Score 17/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,516 for Richmond — 11% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 7.2x 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
Richmond — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Richmond, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,516.3 | -391.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 336.9 | +463.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 24.2 | -15.8 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 18.6 | +45.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 94.5 | +87.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 199.7 | +345.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,179.4 | -854.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 265.3 | +51.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,386.9 | -804.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 527.2 | -101.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Richmond safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,516 for Richmond — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Richmond has 336.9. Richmond 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 Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia, a city pivotal during the Civil War, sits along the fall line of the James River. It's a diverse city, home to a vibrant arts scene and a growing population of young professionals. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 231,805, Richmond has a total crime rate of 3,516.3 per 100,000 residents.