Is Phoenix or Tulsa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Tulsa (Safety Score 17/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,571 for Tulsa — 32% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Tulsa has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 4.0x 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
Tulsa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Tulsa, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 4,570.7 | -1,445.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 942.9 | -142.9 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 9.5 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 105.8 | -41.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 98.7 | +82.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 728.0 | -182.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,627.8 | -1,302.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 747.2 | -430.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,397.9 | -815.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 482.7 | -56.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Tulsa safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,571 for Tulsa — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Tulsa has 942.9. 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 Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, a city in northeast Oklahoma' along the Arkansas River, boasts a rich art deco architectural heritage. It's the second-largest city in the state, with a diverse population and a significant Native American presence. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 411,274, Tulsa has a total crime rate of 4,570.7 per 100,000 residents.