Is Phoenix or Salinas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salinas is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 35/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,202 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 30% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salinas has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 10.5x 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
Salinas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Salinas, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Salinas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,202.5 | +922.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 527.1 | +273.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 3.8 | +4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 51.2 | +13.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 140.9 | +40.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 328.6 | +216.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,675.4 | +650.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 146.6 | +170.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,158.4 | +423.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 370.3 | +55.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Salinas safer?
Salinas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,202 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Salinas has 527.1. Salinas 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 Salinas, CA
Nestled in the Salinas Valley, this agricultural hub is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World." It's the largest city in Monterey County, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 158,233, Salinas has a total crime rate of 2,202.5 per 100,000 residents.