Is Phoenix or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 17/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 44% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 18.7x 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 Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 5,572.9 | -2,447.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 782.5 | +17.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 4.5 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 72.0 | -7.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 202.4 | -20.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 499.2 | +46.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 4,790.4 | -2,465.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 848.8 | -531.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 3,382.9 | -1,800.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 558.8 | -132.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Santa Monica safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. Santa Monica 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 Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.