Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Sterling Heights, MI?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Phoenix or Sterling Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Sterling Heights is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 64/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 59% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sterling Heights has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 12.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sterling Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Sterling Heights, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,273.1 | +1,852.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 230.7 | +569.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.8 | +7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 30.8 | +33.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 15.0 | +166.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 182.6 | +362.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,042.4 | +1,282.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 76.7 | +240.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 789.1 | +793.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 176.6 | +249.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Sterling Heights, MI?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Sterling Heights safer?
Sterling Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,273 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Sterling Heights has 230.7. Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights, MI
Sterling Heights, Michigan, a Detroit suburb, is the second-largest city in Macomb County. Once a farming community known for its rhubarb, it now boasts a diverse population exceeding 130,000 residents. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 133,058, Sterling Heights has a total crime rate of 1,273.1 per 100,000 residents.