Is Phoenix or Van Buren Township Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren Township is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 31/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 23% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren Township has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 56.2x 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
Van Buren Township — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Van Buren Township, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Van Buren Township | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,396.0 | +729.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 327.8 | +472.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 40.6 | +23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 287.3 | +258.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,068.2 | +257.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 138.6 | +178.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,696.5 | -114.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 233.2 | +192.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Van Buren Township safer?
Van Buren Township is safer with a total crime rate of 2,396 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Van Buren Township has 327.8. Van Buren Township 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 Van Buren Township, MI
Van Buren Township, Michigan, named for President Martin Van Buren, is a diverse community in Wayne County. Situated southwest of Detroit, it encompasses Belleville Lake and boasts a significant industrial presence alongside residential areas. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 29,591, Van Buren Township has a total crime rate of 2,396.0 per 100,000 residents.