Is Phoenix or Ventura Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ventura is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 26/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,616 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 16% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ventura has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 15.3x 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
Ventura — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Ventura, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Ventura | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,616.5 | +508.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 410.9 | +389.1 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 2.8 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 46.1 | +18.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 82.9 | +98.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 279.2 | +266.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,205.6 | +119.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 265.3 | +51.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,733.9 | -151.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 206.4 | +219.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Ventura safer?
Ventura is safer with a total crime rate of 2,616 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Ventura has 410.9. Ventura 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 Ventura, CA
Ventura, a coastal city in Southern California, is known for its historic Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782. Its population is approximately 110,000, and it sits along the Pacific Ocean, offering a Mediterranean climate. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 108,543, Ventura has a total crime rate of 2,616.5 per 100,000 residents.