Is Phoenix or Summerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summerville is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 36% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summerville has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 31.9x 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
Summerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Summerville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Summerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,990.5 | +1,134.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 222.4 | +577.6 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 3.8 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 17.3 | +47.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 21.1 | +160.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 180.3 | +365.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,768.0 | +557.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 97.8 | +219.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,545.6 | +36.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 124.7 | +301.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Summerville safer?
Summerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Summerville has 222.4. Summerville 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 Summerville, SC
Summerville, the "Flowertown in the World," is a historic town in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Known for its picturesque downtown and abundant azaleas, it lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, drawing residents seeking a suburban lifestyle. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 52,148, Summerville has a total crime rate of 1,990.5 per 100,000 residents.