Is Phoenix or South Miami Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Miami is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 16% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where South Miami has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 137.4x 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
South Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
South Miami, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | South Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,610.3 | +515.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 446.1 | +354.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 16.5 | -8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 16.5 | +47.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 90.9 | +90.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 322.2 | +223.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,164.2 | +161.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 437.8 | -120.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,668.6 | -86.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 57.8 | +368.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or South Miami safer?
South Miami is safer with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while South Miami has 446.1. South Miami 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 South Miami, FL
South Miami, a city incorporated in 1927, is a suburban residential area situated just southwest of downtown Miami. It's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents being young professionals and families. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 12,106, South Miami has a total crime rate of 2,610.3 per 100,000 residents.