Is Phoenix or Somerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Somerville is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 43/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 39% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Somerville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 20.3x 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
Somerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Somerville, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Somerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,920.1 | +1,205.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 221.4 | +578.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 15.9 | +48.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 24.5 | +157.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 181.0 | +364.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,698.8 | +626.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 289.9 | +27.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,279.3 | +302.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 129.6 | +296.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Somerville safer?
Somerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,920 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Somerville has 221.4. Somerville 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 Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, a densely populated city immediately north of Boston, is known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse neighborhoods. Historically home to many working-class immigrants, it's now a hub for young professionals and students. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 81,766, Somerville has a total crime rate of 1,920.1 per 100,000 residents.