Is Phoenix or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 17/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 53% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Phoenix has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 7.4x 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
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 6,666.7 | -3,541.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 1,063.0 | -263.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 9.8 | -1.5 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 67.9 | -3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 184.4 | -2.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 801.0 | -255.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 5,603.6 | -3,278.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 669.7 | -352.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 3,521.3 | -1,939.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 1,412.6 | -986.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Tacoma safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Phoenix 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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.