Is Phoenix or Sierra Vista Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sierra Vista is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 44/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 40% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sierra Vista has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 37.7x 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
Sierra Vista — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Sierra Vista, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Sierra Vista | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,883.5 | +1,241.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 219.9 | +580.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.3 | +6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 20.4 | +43.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 24.9 | +156.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 170.0 | +375.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,663.7 | +661.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 165.5 | +151.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,418.9 | +163.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 79.3 | +346.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Sierra Vista safer?
Sierra Vista is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Sierra Vista has 219.9. Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista, AZ
Sierra Vista, Arizona, founded as a military post, is home to Fort Huachuca, a U.S. Army installation. This city in Cochise County sits at an elevation of over 4,600 feet, making it cooler than other Arizona cities. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 44,119, Sierra Vista has a total crime rate of 1,883.5 per 100,000 residents.