Phoenix, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix is 60.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 13515 violent crimes reported in Phoenix, equivalent to 825 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 123.1%. Additionally, Phoenix recorded 47530 property crimes, amounting to 2902 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 48.5%.

Phoenix ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 825 per 100,000 people, Phoenix is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Phoenix, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Phoenix stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Phoenix, there were a total of 217 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Phoenix ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 7633 vehicle thefts, amounting to 466 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Phoenix within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 215.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Phoenix?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Phoenix residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 267 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 37% of Phoenix residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 63% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Phoenix a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Phoenix is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Phoenix has an overall crime rate that is 60% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 167.25 daily occurrences, comprising 37.03 violent crimes and 130.22 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Phoenix as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Phoenix Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Phoenix crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Phoenix has decreased by 5.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 1% and property crime has decreased by 7%.

Phoenix Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Phoenix area comprises a diverse array of over 15 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Desert View, New Village and North Gateway which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Central City, Alahambra and Encanto exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Phoenix neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Phoenix

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Phoenix crime rates. In Phoenix, the poverty rate stands at 16.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

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 Phoenix, 77.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Phoenix, the cost of living is 3.22% lower than the national average.

Phoenix crime map