Is Phoenix or Salisbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Salisbury (Safety Score 17/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,960 for Salisbury — 21% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salisbury has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 50.1x 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
Salisbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Salisbury, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Salisbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,960.3 | -834.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 954.7 | -154.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 36.1 | +28.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 150.6 | +31.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 768.0 | -222.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,005.6 | -680.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 548.1 | -230.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,267.7 | -685.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 189.7 | +236.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Salisbury safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,960 for Salisbury — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Salisbury has 954.7. Phoenix 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 Salisbury, MD
Salisbury, the "Crossroads of the Delmarva," is a historic city on the Wicomico River. It serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare, with a significant Black population. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,205, Salisbury has a total crime rate of 3,960.3 per 100,000 residents.