Is Phoenix or Sacramento Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Sacramento (Safety Score 17/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,302 for Sacramento — 5% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
Note: Phoenix is 3.2x 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
Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,302.5 | -177.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 755.1 | +44.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 8.5 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 34.6 | +29.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 192.2 | -10.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 519.7 | +25.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,547.3 | -222.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 441.6 | -124.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,596.1 | -13.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 509.6 | -83.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Sacramento safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,302 for Sacramento — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Sacramento has 755.1. Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's state capital, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A key Gold Rush city, it's known for its tree-lined streets and diverse population. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 526,670, Sacramento has a total crime rate of 3,302.5 per 100,000 residents.