Arizona’s expansive national parks and stunning desert sunsets make it a popular destination. Moreover, many people have been relocating to Arizona from states like California in recent years to take advantage of the lower cost of living and lower crime rates. However, it’s worth noting that some areas in the state have higher crime rates than others. If you’re concerned about safety, it’s best to avoid the ten most dangerous cities in Arizona in 2023, which we’ve listed below.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Arizona (2023)
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- Tolleson
- Globe
- Holbrook
- Winslow
- Page
- Tempe
- Tucson
- Kingman
- Phoenix
- Show Low
1. Tolleson
With a population of 7,216, Tolleson has the notoriety of being the most dangerous city in Arizona, located in Maricopa County. Shockingly, the crime rate in Tolleson is 470% higher than the national average, with an overall crime rate of 13,374 per 100,000. This means that residents have a 1 in 8 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. As a result, many residents have installed home security devices due to the prevalence of theft in the area.
2. Globe
Living in Globe, Arizona can be risky as it is considered one of the most perilous places in the state. The city is situated in Gila County and has an alarmingly high crime rate of 8,311 per 100,000 people, which is 254% above the national average. With a population of 7,249, the likelihood of becoming a victim of any crime in Globe is 1 in 13. The city’s economy primarily relied on mining, and since its decline, unemployment and poverty have been the major factors contributing to the rising crime rate in Globe.
3. Holbrook
With a population of 5,000, Holbrook, located in Navajo county, Arizona, is another hazardous community. Despite being in proximity to various national parks and landmarks, the city has a significantly high crime rate. The crime rate in Holbrook is 7,120 per 100,000 residents, which is 204% higher than the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in this city is 1 in 15. In 2021, Holbrook reported 61 violent crimes and 313 property crimes.
4. Winslow
Winslow is a beloved tourist destination with an old-west ambiance. However, it is important for visitors to stay within the confines of the tourist attractions due to the city’s high crime rate. The population of Winslow is 9,655, and it has a crime rate of 4,861 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 107% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, residents of Winslow have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2022, there were 145 violent crimes and 395 property crimes reported in Winslow.
5. Page
Page, situated in Coconino County, is a city with a population of 7,547. Shockingly, the crime rate in Page is 106% higher than the national average, standing at 4,824 per 100,000. FBI’s 2021 statistics reveal that 52 violent crimes and 224 property crimes were reported in the city. However, Page is a prominent player in Arizona’s tourism industry and boasts of breathtaking natural landscapes and national parks. It’s worth noting that most of the criminal activities occur in residential areas of the city.
6. Tempe
With its struggles against gang activity, Tempe is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona. The city, located in Maricopa County and home to a population of 180,587, has a crime rate that is 73% higher than the national average. Tempe is notorious for its high rate of violent crimes including murders and robberies. Property crimes, such as car thefts and burglaries, are also prevalent in the city. In 2022 alone, there were 1,152 cases of violent crimes and 7,672 occurrences of property crimes in Tempe.
7. Tucson
With a population of 527,586, Tucson is notorious for its high crime rates, making it one of the worst areas in Arizona. The crime rate in Tucson is 69% higher than the national average, with a staggering 4,310 crimes reported per 100,000 residents. This means that there is a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime in Tucson. Although crime rates have declined in recent years, the city still faces significant challenges, particularly when it comes to violent crime.
8. Kingman
Mohave County’s Kingman, with a population of 32,689, has a higher-than-average crime rate of 3,923 per 100,000 individuals, which is 67% greater than the national average. Residents of Kingman have a 1 in 26 chance of being a victim of any crime. According to the 2021 crime statistics, there were 134 violent crimes and 1,249 property crimes. However, the average cost of purchasing a home in Kingman is only $115,400, which is 38% lower than the national average.
9. Phoenix
Arizona’s largest city, Phoenix, boasts the highest crime rate in terms of actual numbers. Its population of 1,555,324 experiences a crime rate of 3,788 per 100,000, which is 61% higher than the national average. In 2022, there were 13,776 reported violent crimes and 55,850 property crimes in the city. Phoenix, like many other large cities, struggles with issues related to poverty and gang activity. The median home price in Phoenix is $178,200.
10. Show Low
With a population of 10,660 people, Show Low, located in Navajo County, is known for its high crime rate, making it one of the worst cities in Arizona. The city has a crime rate of 3,366 per 100,000, which is 43% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 30 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. In 2021, Show Low recorded 81 violent crimes and 282 property crimes, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries being the most common types of crime.
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