Is Phoenix or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 43/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 39% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Tampa has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 4.1x 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
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,912.7 | +1,212.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 447.3 | +352.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 8.8 | -0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 41.9 | +22.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 59.0 | +122.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 335.0 | +210.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,465.3 | +860.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 167.4 | +149.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,154.5 | +427.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 143.4 | +282.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Tampa 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 Tampa, FL
Tampa, a Gulf Coast city, boasts a rich Cuban heritage from its cigar industry days. It's a diverse port city situated on Tampa Bay, with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 408,646, Tampa has a total crime rate of 1,912.7 per 100,000 residents.