Is Phoenix or Sioux Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Sioux Falls (Safety Score 17/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,442 for Sioux Falls — 9% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sioux Falls has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 7.9x 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
Sioux Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Sioux Falls, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Sioux Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,442.0 | -316.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 526.7 | +273.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 6.6 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 28.0 | +36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 47.4 | +134.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 444.7 | +100.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,915.2 | -589.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 303.0 | +14.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,174.7 | -592.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 437.6 | -11.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Sioux Falls safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,442 for Sioux Falls — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Sioux Falls has 526.7. Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls, named for the Big Sioux River and its waterfalls, is South Dakota's largest city. It's a regional hub for healthcare and finance, with a growing population of over 200,000 residents. The city's economy has historically been tied to agriculture. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 210,926, Sioux Falls has a total crime rate of 3,442.0 per 100,000 residents.