Is Phoenix or Saco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saco is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 68/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 63% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 78.6x 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
Saco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Saco, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Saco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,158.7 | +1,966.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 80.4 | +719.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 37.8 | +26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 42.6 | +502.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,078.3 | +1,247.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 85.1 | +232.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 893.9 | +688.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 99.3 | +326.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Saco safer?
Saco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Saco has 80.4. Saco 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 Saco, ME
Saco, Maine, a small city in York County, sits on the Saco River across from Biddeford. Known for its historic textile mills, the area experiences a significant tourist influx during summer months, drawn to attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 21,144, Saco has a total crime rate of 1,158.7 per 100,000 residents.