Is Phoenix or Wilmington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wilmington is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 67/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 62% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wilmington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 70.7x 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
Wilmington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Wilmington, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,177.0 | +1,948.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 165.7 | +634.3 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 0.0 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 17.0 | +47.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 0.0 | +181.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 148.7 | +396.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,011.3 | +1,314.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 93.5 | +223.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 862.6 | +719.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 55.2 | +370.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Wilmington safer?
Wilmington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,177 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Wilmington has 165.7. Wilmington 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 Wilmington, MA
Wilmington, MA is a suburban town in Middlesex County, known for its annual "Fun on the Fourth" celebration. Bordering Andover and Reading, it's home to a diverse population, with many residents commuting to Boston. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 23,535, Wilmington has a total crime rate of 1,177.0 per 100,000 residents.