The Southwest Journal claims that Arizona is well-known for the Grand Canyon and its breathtaking views of the desert. However, despite the stunning landscape, the state faces severe problems with crime. It is ranked 15th for property crime and 10th for violent crime in the United States. This indicates that there is a 1 in 204 risk of violent crime and a 1 in 41 likelihood of property crime for both locals and visitors. Therefore, even though Arizona has beautiful scenery, there are certain difficult safety issues that differ from place to city.
Kingman
Situated along the historic Route 66 near the Nevada border, Kingman is making efforts to lower its crime rates. Despite these efforts, the city still experiences a high crime rate of 3,923 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 67% above the national average. This translates to residents having a 1 in 22 chance of being a crime victim. Although there are ongoing initiatives to improve safety, Kingman remains one of the more challenging places to live in Arizona.
Show Low
Located in eastern Arizona, Show Low has a wild past as a gambling town and continues to grapple with high crime rates. The city reports 2,715 property crimes and 650 violent crimes per 100,000 people, significantly above the national average. Known as the hometown of actor George Takei, Show Low’s crime history still affects its current safety levels.
Tucson
Home to the University of Arizona and celebrated for its arts and culture, Tucson struggles with crime. The city’s crime rate is 69% higher than the national average, with car theft and burglary being prevalent issues. There is a silver lining, though—crime rates are slowly decreasing. However, in 2022, the city was rocked by the case of Christopher Clements, who was found guilty of kidnapping and killing two young girls, underscoring Tucson’s violent crime problems.
Tempe
A vibrant city in Maricopa County known for its cafes and nightlife, Tempe faces serious crime challenges. The crime rate is 73% higher than the U.S. average, largely due to gang activity. Despite its relatively small population of about 180,587, Tempe reported 1,152 violent crimes and 7,672 property crimes in 2022. The high crime rate makes living in Tempe a safety concern.
Phoenix
As the capital of Arizona and one of its largest cities, Phoenix contends with substantial crime issues. With nearly two million residents, the city’s crime rate stands at approximately 3,800 per 100,000 people, 61% higher than the national average. Despite its cultural attractions and amenities, parts of Phoenix are plagued by gang violence. The city has seen its share of notorious criminals, such as Mark Goudeau, a serial killer who terrorized the Phoenix metro area with his brutal crimes.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
