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.

Florence Population: 26,777 507 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 134 Property Crime / 100k: 373 chance of being a victim: 1 in 197
Florence proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Arizona. With only 507 crimes per 100,000 people, Florence has a crime rate that is 73% lower than the Arizona average. This equates to an average of 0.37 crimes per day and a 1 in 197 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.
Chino Valley Population: 11,362 598 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 101 Property Crime / 100k: 497 chance of being a victim: 1 in 167
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Chino Valley comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Arizona with a crime rate of 598 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 79 counts of burglary, 346 counts of theft, 72 counts of vehicle theft, 101 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 0 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Chino Valley, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
San Luis Population: 33,875 602 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 52 Property Crime / 100k: 550 chance of being a victim: 1 in 166
With a population of 33,875 and a total crime rate of 602 per 100,000 residents, San Luis is the 3rd safest city in Arizona. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 61% 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: 16,301 615 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 62 Property Crime / 100k: 552 chance of being a victim: 1 in 163
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 615, 86% lower than the Arizona average. This amounts to 0.24 crimes per day and a 1 in 163 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.
Thatcher Population: 5,122 671 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 37 Property Crime / 100k: 633 chance of being a victim: 1 in 149
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Thatcher consistently ranks high in safety. In Thatcher, 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 671, which is 95% lower than the state average.
Bisbee Population: 5,199 937 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 244 Property Crime / 100k: 693 chance of being a victim: 1 in 107
Bisbee 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 937 crimes per 100,000 people, 95% lower than the Arizona average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 143 reports of burglary, 407 reports of theft, 143 reports of vehicle theft, 204 reports of assault, 20 reports of robbery, 0 reports of rape and 20 reports of homicide.
Maricopa Population: 50,358 950 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 188 Property Crime / 100k: 762 chance of being a victim: 1 in 105
Maricopa ranks as the seventh safest city in Arizona and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.73 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. Maricopa’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Arizona.
Sahuarita Population: 30,679 1,021 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 99 Property Crime / 100k: 922 chance of being a victim: 1 in 98
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Sahuarita is the 8th safest city in Arizona. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 64% lower than the Arizona average, reporting a total of 1,021 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.
Prescott Valley Population: 45,592 1,036 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 283 Property Crime / 100k: 753 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. Prescott Valley 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 1,036 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 51% lower than the state average.
Gilbert Population: 248,349 1,133 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 117 Property Crime / 100k: 1,017 chance of being a victim: 1 in 88
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Arizona, is Gilbert. With a low rate of crime that included 100 burglaries, 842 thefts, 76 vehicle thefts, 78 assaults, 11 robberies, 27 rapes and 1 homicides, the overall crime rate was 177% higher 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 Florence 26,777 134 373 507
2 Chino Valley 11,362 101 497 598
3 San Luis 33,875 52 550 602
4 Somerton 16,301 62 552 615
5 Thatcher 5,122 37 633 671
6 Bisbee 5,199 244 693 937
7 Maricopa 50,358 188 762 950
8 Sahuarita 30,679 99 922 1,021
9 Prescott Valley 45,592 283 753 1,036
10 Gilbert 248,349 117 1,017 1,133
11 Queen Creek 52,162 145 993 1,138
12 Oro Valley 45,303 33 1,187 1,220
13 Buckeye 74,467 186 1,037 1,224
14 Douglas 16,292 115 1,264 1,379
15 Surprise 139,007 118 1,403 1,521
16 Paradise Valley 14,502 95 1,429 1,524
17 Litchfield Park 6,228 272 1,273 1,545
18 Camp Verde 11,241 186 1,375 1,561
19 Peoria 172,109 195 1,382 1,577
20 Lake Havasu City 55,463 275 1,359 1,634
21 Prescott 43,463 401 1,328 1,729
22 El Mirage 35,702 330 1,418 1,748
23 Snowflake 5,873 351 1,412 1,763
24 Sierra Vista 43,756 281 1,618 1,899
25 Chandler 257,076 182 1,808 1,990
26 Goodyear 83,519 169 1,861 2,030
27 Wickenburg 7,708 102 2,008 2,110
28 Payson 15,708 493 1,623 2,116
29 Sedona 10,341 376 1,740 2,116
30 Mesa 508,918 427 1,770 2,197
31 Apache Junction 41,863 328 1,912 2,241
32 Yuma 97,428 561 1,688 2,249
33 Marana 47,164 86 2,230 2,316
34 Cottonwood 12,228 339 2,043 2,382
35 Eloy 18,306 694 1,934 2,628
36 Show Low 11,280 658 2,007 2,665
37 Coolidge 13,016 555 2,515 3,070
38 Casa Grande 57,318 576 2,668 3,245
39 Kingman 30,433 382 3,161 3,543
40 Avondale 86,091 420 3,157 3,577
41 Phoenix 1,658,422 825 2,902 3,727
42 Glendale 250,290 545 3,240 3,785
43 Nogales 20,182 243 3,554 3,797
44 Tempe 191,607 584 4,334 4,919
45 Page 7,551 819 4,462 5,281
46 Globe 7,351 1,593 5,017 6,611
47 South Tucson 5,692 2,402 13,291 15,693

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.