Tempe, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Tempe, AZ

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Tempe crime rate is higher than the national average by 111.6%. Specifically, there were 1095 violent crimes in Tempe, equivalent to 584 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 58%. Furthermore, Tempe recorded 8126 property crimes, amounting to 4334 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 121.8%.

With a total of 4919 crimes per 100,000 people, the Tempe crime rates stand at 111.62 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Tempe, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Tempe has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4334 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Tempe is 1 in 24, which is far higher than the national average.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Tempe ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 792 vehicle thefts, amounting to 422 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Tempe 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 237.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Tempe?

What do the local residents think about crime in Tempe? Well, based on a recent survey of 108 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 49% of Tempe residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 51% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Tempe a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Tempe is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Tempe has a total crime rate that is 112% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 25.26 daily crimes (3 violent daily crimes and 22.26 daily property crimes) in Tempe.

Has Crime in Tempe Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Tempe has increased by 12.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Tempe, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 0.5%, while property crime has increased by 14.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Tempe is a safe place to live.

Tempe Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 58 different neighborhoods in the Tempe area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Tempe include Alta Mira, Camelot Village and Tally Ho Farms North. While Alegre Community, Escalante and Mitchell Park West have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Tempe

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Tempe, the cost of living is 2.2% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Tempe, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.84 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Tempe stands at $287,600, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Tempe crime map