Is Phoenix or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 55/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,522 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 51% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rochester has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 13.6x 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, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,522.5 | +1,602.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 154.0 | +646.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 4.1 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 26.1 | +38.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 26.1 | +155.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 97.8 | +447.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,368.5 | +956.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 173.6 | +143.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,103.6 | +478.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 91.3 | +334.8 |
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 1,522 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Rochester has 154.0. 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, MN
Rochester, Minnesota, home to the Mayo Clinic, is a city in southeastern Minnesota. Its population of over 120,000 makes it the state's third-largest city. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 122,694, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,522.5 per 100,000 residents.