Is Phoenix or Southfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Southfield is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,913 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 7% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Southfield has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 22.0x 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
Southfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Southfield, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Southfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,913.0 | +212.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 493.0 | +307.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 1.3 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 59.6 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 39.8 | +141.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 392.3 | +153.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,420.0 | -94.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 405.6 | -88.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,467.1 | +115.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 547.4 | -121.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Southfield safer?
Southfield is safer with a total crime rate of 2,913 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Southfield has 493.0. Southfield 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 Southfield, MI
Southfield, a Detroit suburb, is home to the landmark "Golden Triangle" of office buildings. Its diverse population has grown significantly since the mid-20th century, with many residents commuting to neighboring communities. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 75,454, Southfield has a total crime rate of 2,913.0 per 100,000 residents.