Maricopa, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Maricopa, AZ

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Maricopa is 59.1% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Maricopa, there were 125 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 188 per 100,000 individuals, 49.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 507 property crimes, amounting to 762 per 100,000 residents, 61% lower than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Maricopa?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Maricopa. Based on the results of the surveys (49 responses), 69% of people felt that there was very little crime in Maricopa and felt safe walking alone at night. While 31% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Maricopa a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Maricopa a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Maricopa crime rate is 59% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.73 crimes per day - 0.34 violent crimes and 1.39 property crimes.

Has Crime in Maricopa Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Maricopa. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Maricopa has increased by 8.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 11.4%, while property crime has increased by 14.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Maricopa.

Potential Causes for Crime in Maricopa

Maricopa has a poverty rate that stands at 7.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Maricopa crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Maricopa has a population density of 1185 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Maricopa crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Maricopa, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.45, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Maricopa crime map