Is Phoenix or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 21/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 7% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 25.0x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,920.8 | +204.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 476.0 | +324.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 4.5 | +3.8 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 39.2 | +25.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 34.7 | +147.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 397.7 | +147.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 2,444.8 | -119.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 586.0 | -268.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,658.5 | -76.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 200.4 | +225.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. Waterloo 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.