Is Phoenix or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Watertown (Safety Score 17/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,528 for Watertown — 31% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 69.2x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Watertown, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 4,527.9 | -1,402.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 599.3 | +200.8 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 166.5 | -102.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 37.5 | +144.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 395.4 | +150.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 3,928.6 | -1,603.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 387.0 | -69.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 3,420.9 | -1,838.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 120.7 | +305.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Watertown safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,528 for Watertown — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Watertown has 599.3. 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, NY
Watertown, NY, a city along the Black River, boasts the first department store in the nation, founded by F.W. Woolworth. Situated just south of Fort Drum, it serves as a regional hub for Jefferson County. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 24,029, Watertown has a total crime rate of 4,527.9 per 100,000 residents.