Is Phoenix or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 35% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 6.8x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,028.7 | +1,096.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 153.3 | +646.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.4 | +8.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 33.8 | +30.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 22.0 | +159.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 96.2 | +449.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,875.3 | +450.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 182.3 | +134.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,534.8 | +47.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 158.2 | +267.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Scottsdale safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.