Safest cities in Arizona

Known as the 'Grand Canyon State,' Arizona is famous for its stunning desert landscapes and iconic natural landmarks. Located in the southwestern United States, Arizona offers a variety of terrains, including the Grand Canyon, red rock formations in Sedona, and lush pine forests in Flagstaff. The state's economy is driven by industries such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism, with major cities like Phoenix and Tucson being economic hubs. Arizona also boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions. The state is home to numerous national parks, historic sites, and cultural festivals, providing a vibrant and diverse living environment.

The safest cities in Arizona offer residents a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Arizona's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, ensuring an accurate assessment of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Arizona's natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunities without the constant concern of crime.

Chino Valley Population: 11,362 423 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 100 Property Crime / 100k: 322 chance of being a victim: 1 in 237

Chino Valley proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Arizona. With only 423 crimes per 100,000 people, Chino Valley has a crime rate that is 86% lower than the Arizona average. This equates to an average of 0.16 crimes per day and a 1 in 237 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Thatcher Population: 5,122 545 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 36 Property Crime / 100k: 508 chance of being a victim: 1 in 184

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Thatcher comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Arizona with a crime rate of 545 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 91 counts of burglary, 418 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 36 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Thatcher, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Florence Population: 26,777 552 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 96 Property Crime / 100k: 456 chance of being a victim: 1 in 181

With a population of 26,777 and a total crime rate of 552 per 100,000 residents, Florence is the 3rd safest city in Arizona. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 76% lower than the Arizona average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Somerton Population: 16,301 553 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 130 Property Crime / 100k: 423 chance of being a victim: 1 in 181

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Somerton is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 553, 85% lower than the Arizona average. This amounts to 0.22 crimes per day and a 1 in 181 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Somerton a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

San Luis Population: 33,875 622 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 59 Property Crime / 100k: 563 chance of being a victim: 1 in 161

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, San Luis consistently ranks high in safety. In San Luis, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 622, which is 64% lower than the state average.

Queen Creek Population: 52,162 969 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 121 Property Crime / 100k: 849 chance of being a victim: 1 in 103

Queen Creek has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Arizona. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 969 crimes per 100,000 people, 24% lower than the Arizona average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 98 reports of burglary, 695 reports of theft, 55 reports of vehicle theft, 102 reports of assault, 8 reports of robbery, 10 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Bisbee Population: 5,199 1,010 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 158 Property Crime / 100k: 851 chance of being a victim: 1 in 99

Bisbee ranks as the seventh safest city in Arizona and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 99 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.14 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Bisbee’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Arizona.

Buckeye Population: 74,467 1,017 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 184 Property Crime / 100k: 833 chance of being a victim: 1 in 98

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Buckeye is the 8th safest city in Arizona. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 12% higher than the Arizona average, reporting a total of 1,017 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Sahuarita Population: 30,679 1,028 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 127 Property Crime / 100k: 901 chance of being a victim: 1 in 97

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Sahuarita is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Arizona, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,028 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 64% lower than the state average.

Maricopa Population: 50,358 1,036 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 256 Property Crime / 100k: 780 chance of being a victim: 1 in 97

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Arizona, is Maricopa. With a low rate of crime that included 72 burglaries, 621 thefts, 87 vehicle thefts, 233 assaults, 14 robberies, 9 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 30% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Arizona

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Chino Valley	11,362	100	322	423
2	Thatcher	5,122	36	508	545
3	Florence	26,777	96	456	552
4	Somerton	16,301	130	423	553
5	San Luis	33,875	59	563	622
6	Queen Creek	52,162	121	849	969
7	Bisbee	5,199	158	851	1,010
8	Buckeye	74,467	184	833	1,017
9	Sahuarita	30,679	127	901	1,028
10	Maricopa	50,358	256	780	1,036
11	Gilbert	248,349	117	935	1,052
12	Prescott Valley	45,592	261	931	1,192
13	Oro Valley	45,303	57	1,141	1,198
14	Paradise Valley	14,502	24	1,305	1,329
15	Litchfield Park	6,228	129	1,215	1,344
16	Surprise	139,007	100	1,249	1,350
17	Wickenburg	7,708	74	1,327	1,401
18	Peoria	172,109	212	1,293	1,504
19	Lake Havasu City	55,463	288	1,232	1,520
20	Chandler	257,076	174	1,444	1,618
21	Camp Verde	11,241	136	1,524	1,660
22	Cottonwood	12,228	248	1,449	1,696
23	El Mirage	35,702	372	1,333	1,705
24	Coolidge	13,016	220	1,519	1,739
25	Prescott	43,463	351	1,442	1,794
26	Goodyear	83,519	159	1,639	1,798
27	Sierra Vista	43,756	218	1,592	1,810
28	Marana	47,164	85	1,797	1,882
29	Yuma	97,428	460	1,465	1,925
30	Eloy	18,306	642	1,283	1,925
31	Mesa	508,918	435	1,625	2,061
32	Apache Junction	41,863	506	1,650	2,156
33	Payson	15,708	352	1,925	2,276
34	Scottsdale	254,995	166	2,209	2,375
35	Bullhead City	40,808	433	2,062	2,495
36	Flagstaff	73,319	402	2,190	2,592
37	Casa Grande	57,318	530	2,077	2,606
38	Show Low	11,280	827	2,056	2,883
39	Avondale	86,091	463	2,469	2,932
40	Kingman	30,433	253	2,819	3,071
41	Phoenix	1,658,422	785	2,484	3,269
42	Glendale	250,290	569	2,883	3,452
43	Tempe	191,607	504	3,570	4,074
44	Nogales	20,182	181	3,914	4,095
45	Globe	7,351	472	3,997	4,469
46	Page	7,551	464	5,214	5,678

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Arizona is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Arizona cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.