Is Phoenix or San Bernardino Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than San Bernardino (Safety Score 17/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,795 for San Bernardino — 18% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 25% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 7.4x 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
San Bernardino — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
San Bernardino, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,794.8 | -669.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 897.1 | -97.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 11.2 | -2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 49.9 | +14.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 241.2 | -59.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 594.8 | -49.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,897.7 | -572.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 455.2 | -138.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,677.4 | -95.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 765.1 | -339.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or San Bernardino safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,795 for San Bernardino — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while San Bernardino has 897.1. 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 San Bernardino, CA
Nestled in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino is a diverse city historically linked to the Santa Fe Railroad. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys views of the San Bernardino Mountains. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 224,283, San Bernardino has a total crime rate of 3,794.8 per 100,000 residents.