Is Phoenix or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 17/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 48% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 18.5x 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
Santa Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 5,998.8 | -2,873.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 842.2 | -42.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 4.5 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 64.7 | -0.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 89.2 | +92.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 683.8 | -138.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 5,156.6 | -2,831.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 973.8 | -656.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 3,380.9 | -1,798.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 802.0 | -376.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Santa Fe safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. 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 Santa Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.