Is Phoenix or Sanford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sanford is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 23/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 11% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sanford has a 49% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 24.9x 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
Sanford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Sanford, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Sanford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,795.2 | +330.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 542.6 | +257.4 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 6.0 | +2.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 40.4 | +23.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 92.7 | +88.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 403.6 | +141.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,252.6 | +72.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 261.6 | +55.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,790.7 | -208.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 200.3 | +225.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Sanford safer?
Sanford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,795 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Sanford has 542.6. Sanford 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 Sanford, FL
Sanford, "The Historic Waterfront Gateway," sits on the southern shore of Lake Monroe. Once a major celery producer, the city boasts a vibrant downtown and a diverse population of over 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 66,900, Sanford has a total crime rate of 2,795.2 per 100,000 residents.