Is Phoenix or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 40/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 36% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 46.3x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Watertown, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 2,012.0 | +1,113.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 153.3 | +646.8 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 25.1 | +39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 8.4 | +173.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 119.8 | +425.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,858.7 | +466.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 53.0 | +264.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 1,780.7 | -198.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 25.1 | +401.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Watertown has 153.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, MA
Watertown, a historic Middlesex County town, sits along the Charles River just west of Boston. It was home to the Perkins School for the Blind, where Helen Keller studied. The town has a diverse population, including a notable Armenian community. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 35,885, Watertown has a total crime rate of 2,012.0 per 100,000 residents.