Is Phoenix or Suffolk Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Suffolk is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 42/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 38% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Suffolk has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 16.1x 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
Suffolk — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Suffolk, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Suffolk | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,941.9 | +1,183.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 371.0 | +429.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 10.6 | -2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 30.9 | +33.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 40.6 | +141.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 288.9 | +256.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,570.9 | +754.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 87.0 | +230.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,361.3 | +220.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 122.7 | +303.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Suffolk safer?
Suffolk is safer with a total crime rate of 1,942 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Suffolk has 371.0. Suffolk 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 Suffolk, VA
Suffolk, Virginia, a city rich in peanut production history, stretches across a vast land area, making it one of the largest cities by landmass in the Commonwealth. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban communities. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 103,506, Suffolk has a total crime rate of 1,941.9 per 100,000 residents.