Is Phoenix or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 95/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 401 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 87% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rochester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 130.9x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Rochester, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 401.4 | +2,724.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 23.6 | +776.4 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 0.0 | +64.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 23.6 | +521.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 377.8 | +1,947.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 7.9 | +309.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 330.6 | +1,251.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 39.4 | +386.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Rochester safer?
Rochester is safer with a total crime rate of 401 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Rochester has 23.6. Rochester 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 Rochester, MI
Rochester, Michigan, founded along the Clinton River, is a suburban community in Oakland County. This affluent area is known for its vibrant downtown and was home to Meadow Brook Hall, a historic estate. With a safety score of 95/100 and a population coverage of 12,706, Rochester has a total crime rate of 401.4 per 100,000 residents.