Is Phoenix or Vancouver Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Vancouver (Safety Score 17/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 3,991 for Vancouver — 22% lower. Phoenix has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Vancouver has a 34% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 8.4x 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
Vancouver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Vancouver, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 3,991.0 | -865.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 583.8 | +216.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 5.6 | +2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 61.6 | +2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 122.1 | +59.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 393.1 | +152.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,407.3 | -1,081.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 469.2 | -152.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 2,341.1 | -759.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 596.9 | -170.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Vancouver safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 3,991 for Vancouver — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Vancouver has 583.8. Vancouver 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 Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, Washington, across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, is the fourth-largest city in Washington. It was the site of Fort Vancouver, a major 19th-century fur trading post. The city has seen significant growth, with a population over 190,000. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 198,194, Vancouver has a total crime rate of 3,991.0 per 100,000 residents.