Is Phoenix or Rolla Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rolla is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,914 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 7% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rolla has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 80.8x 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
Rolla — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Rolla, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Rolla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,913.9 | +211.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 374.0 | +426.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 63.1 | +1.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 19.4 | +162.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 291.4 | +254.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,539.9 | -214.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 335.1 | -17.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,015.4 | -433.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 189.4 | +236.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Rolla safer?
Rolla is safer with a total crime rate of 2,914 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Rolla has 374.0. Rolla 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 Rolla, MO
Rolla, a city in Phelps County, Missouri, is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology, a major employer. Situated in the Ozarks, it was founded in 1844 along the proposed route of the Pacific Railroad. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 20,591, Rolla has a total crime rate of 2,913.9 per 100,000 residents.