South Tucson, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in South Tucson, AZ

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Tucson is 575.2% higher 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 South Tucson, there were 109 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 2402 per 100,000 individuals, 549.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 603 property crimes, amounting to 13291 per 100,000 residents, 580% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 15693 per 100,000 residents, South Tucson experiences a crime rate that is 575.21% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, South Tucson contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

South Tucson ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 2402 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in South Tucson stand at 1 in every 42 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. South Tucson stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In South Tucson, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 44 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

South Tucson reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 13291 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 8 chance of falling victim to property crime in South Tucson, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

With a total of 38 vehicle thefts last year, South Tucson has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 838 per 100,000 people. This lands South Tucson in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 120.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in South Tucson?

AreaVibes surveyed 37 local residents in South Tucson to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 27% of people answered that there was very little crime in South Tucson and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 73% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is South Tucson a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is South Tucson 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 South Tucson crime rate is 575% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.95 crimes per day - 0.3 violent crimes and 1.65 property crimes.

Has Crime in South Tucson Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in South Tucson. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in South Tucson has decreased by 8.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 3.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 9.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Tucson

In South Tucson, the current unemployment rate stands at 8.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall South Tucson crime rates.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In South Tucson, the cost of living is 14.15% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In South Tucson, the median home price stands at $86,900, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

South Tucson crime map