Is Phoenix or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Rafael is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 19/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 4% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 28.2x 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
San Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,015.1 | +110.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 559.0 | +241.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 1.7 | +6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 50.8 | +13.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 149.1 | +32.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 357.4 | +187.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,456.1 | -130.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 264.2 | +52.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,770.1 | -187.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 421.8 | +4.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or San Rafael safer?
San Rafael is safer with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.