Surprise, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Surprise, AZ

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Surprise is 34.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 182 violent crimes reported in Surprise, equivalent to 118 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 68.1%. Additionally, Surprise recorded 2163 property crimes, amounting to 1403 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 28.2%.

Surprise has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 118 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Surprise ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Surprise?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Surprise residents. Out of the respondents (58 in total), 74% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Surprise were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 26% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Surprise a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Surprise, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Surprise presents a total crime rate that is 35% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Surprise experiences an average of 6.42 daily crimes, comprising 0.5 violent incidents and 5.93 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Surprise Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Surprise has decreased by 0% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Surprise is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 5.7%, while property crime has decreased by 0.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Surprise.

Potential Causes for Crime in Surprise

Surprise has a poverty rate of 7.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Surprise, 88.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Surprise is $258,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Surprise crime map