Is Phoenix or Rochester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rochester is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 66/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,221 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 61% 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 49.2x 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
Rochester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Rochester, NH
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,220.8 | +1,904.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 76.9 | +723.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 35.5 | +28.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 11.8 | +169.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 29.6 | +515.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,143.9 | +1,181.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 59.1 | +258.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 999.1 | +583.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 85.7 | +340.3 |
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 1,221 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Rochester has 76.9. 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, NH
Rochester, once a major shoemaking hub, sits along the Cocheco River in Strafford County. This small city in southeastern New Hampshire is home to over 32,000 residents. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 33,831, Rochester has a total crime rate of 1,220.8 per 100,000 residents.