Arizona is renowned for its stunning national parks and beautiful desert sunsets. The state offers a lower cost of living due to which people have been moving here in recent years. Arizona also offers a wide range of entertainment options including professional sports, 22 national parks, and a James Beard-nominated restaurant. However, like other states, Arizona also has certain cities that are less safe such as Tolleson, Globe, Tucson, and Holbrook. The most commonly committed crimes in Arizona are aggravated assault and car break-ins. 

Most Dangerous Cities in Arizona

The following are the most dangerous cities in Arizona;

• Tolleson
• Globe
• Holbrook
• Winslow
• Page 
• Tempe
• Tucson
• Kingman
• Phoenix
• Show Low
• Casa Grande
• Eloy

1) Tolleson

Tolleson is a city located in Maricopa County of Arizona surrounded by thriving municipalities. The population of the city is 7,173 and is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona. The city reports a violent crime rate of 835 incidents out of 100,000 residents which means that the residents of the city have a 1 out of 8 chance of falling victim to a violent crime. 

The most common violent crimes committed in the city include aggravated assaults, robbery, and murder. The rate of property crime in Tolleson is also very high with 1 out of 10.9 residents falling victim. Many city residents have installed home security devices to protect their properties due to the frequent thefts.

2) Globe

Globe is located in the Gila County of Arizona and is home to 7,351 residents. The city reports a violent crime rate of 2,141 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 269% more than the national average. Residents living in the globe have a 1 in 63 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

Several factors which contribute to the high crime rate in the city are unemployment and poverty. The most frequently committed violent crimes in the Globe are larceny and aggravated assaults. Due to the high rate of crime in the city, many residents take extra precautions to protect themselves and their property.

3) Holbrook

Holbrook is also on the list of the most dangerous cities in Arizona with a population of 5,000 residents. It is located near several landmarks and national parks in the Navajo County of Arizona. The city reports a violent crime rate of 504 incidents per 100,000 residents which is more than the Arizona state average and the national average. 

Residents of Holbrook have a 1 out of 128 chance of falling victim to violent crime and a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim of a property crime. The most commonly committed violent crimes in Holbrook are assault, burglary, and murder. Property crime rates are also very high in the city due to which it has the second highest burglary rate in Arizona.

4) Winslow

Winslow is renowned for its old-west charm and for being a famous tourist destination located in Navajo County. With a population of 8,517 residents, the city reports a violent crime rate of 886 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is higher than both the national average and state average. 

The residents of Winslow have a 1 out of 98 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, limited access to education, and unemployment significantly contribute to elevated crime rates in Winslow. Most frequently committed violent crimes in Winslow include assault and robbery. 

5) Page

Page is a city located in Coconino County near Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. It is home to stunning landscapes and is also a part of the tourism industry of Arizona. With a population of 7,547 residents, Page reports a violent crime rate of 819 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 121.4% above the national average. People living in Page have a 1 out of 95 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a 5% chance of falling victim to a property crime.

The most commonly committed violent crime in Page includes assault, robbery, homicide, and rape. Page reports the highest number of rape incidents and most of the incidents occur in the city’s residential areas. Limited employment opportunities and insufficient wages lead to the risks of unemployment and homelessness which are the main contributors to the elevated crime rate in the city.

6) Tempe

Tempe is also one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona located in Maricopa County. The city reports a violent crime rate of 584 crimes per 100,000 residents which is 35% above the Arizona average. With a population of 180,587 residents, there is a 1 out of 168 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim to a property crime.

Violent crimes including robberies and murders are frequently committed in Tempe. Property crimes such as car break-ins and burglaries are also very common in the city. Several factors such as economic challenges, urban density, and significant student population contribute to the elevated crime rate in the city. Efforts to address the crimes in the city include initiatives for economic development and community policing. 

7) Tucson

Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona located in Pima County and is considered one of the worst cities in Arizona due to its high crime rates. The city is home to 527,586 residents and reports a violent crime rate of 736 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is above the national average. People living in Tucson have a 1 out of 183 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 93 chance of falling victim to a property crime.

Although crime incidents in Tucson have declined over the years, it is still on the list of the most dangerous cities in Arizona. The crime rate in Tucson is derived from different factors including poverty, economic challenges, and a significant transient population. The most commonly committed crimes in Tucson include robbery, rape, homicide, and aggravated assaults. Local law enforcement and the community have been making efforts to address these crimes and to improve public safety.

8) Kingman

Kingman has a population of 32,689 residents and is located in Mohave County. The city reports a violent crime rate of 382 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is around 67% above the national average. Residents of the city have a 1 out of 263 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a 1 out of 32 chance of falling victim to a property crime.

The most frequently committed violent crimes in Kingman include aggravated assaults, murder, rape, and robbery. Several factors contribute to the high crime rates in the city including economic disparities, poor education, and high level of population. Efforts are being made to address the criminal activity in the city. 

9) Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital city and the most populated city of Arizona with a population of 1.65 million residents. The city reports a violent crime rate of 825 crime per 100,000 residents which is 91% above the Arizona average violent crime rate. Residents of Arizona have a 1 out of 22 chance of falling victim to violent crime.

Phoenix’s elevated crime rate is influenced by several factors including its high level of population, urban density, economic disparities, gang activity, and poverty. Aggravated assaults, murders, and robberies are some of the most commonly committed violent crimes in the city. Local law enforcement has been working on initiatives such as economic development and community policing to address these issues.

10) Show Low

Show Low is located in eastern Arizona in Navajo County and is also one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona due to its elevated high crime rate. With a population of 12,192 residents, Show Low reports a violent crime rate of 658 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 53% above the Arizona average violent crime rate. Residents have a 1 out of 152 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

The most commonly committed crimes in Show Low are burglaries, assault, and theft. The property crime rate in the city is also very high with 2,715 incidents of property crimes per 100,000 residents. High poverty levels and income disparities significantly contribute to the elevated crime rate in the city.

11) Casa Grande

Casa Grande is located in the center of Pinal County in Arizona and has a population of 63,743 residents. The city is renowned for its iconic neon sign park and rich history. Casa Grande is also on the list of the most dangerous cities in Arizona with a violent crime rate of 576 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 56% above the national average. 

The residents have a 1 out of 31 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Casa Grande. The city is considered more dangerous than 87% of other cities in the US. The most commonly committed violent crimes are assault, robbery, rape, and homicide.

12) Eloy

Eloy is located in the northwest of Tucson in Pinal County in the state of Arizona. It is a small city with a population of around 19,000 residents and is also known as the skydiving capital of Arizona. Eloy reports a violent crime rate of 694 incidents out of 100,000 residents which is 61% above the Arizona average. Residents have a 1 out of 144 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.

Factors influencing the elevated crime rate in Eloy include the high poverty rate, unemployment, and lack of availability of well-paying jobs. Car break-ins, robbery, assault, and burglary are some of the most frequently committed violent crimes in Eloy. The city has been making efforts to reduce these crimes.

Conclusion

Arizona is celebrated for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning desert landscapes. The state is also home to one of the world’s awe-inspiring natural wonders The “Grand Canyon”. However, like many other states, Arizona also faces challenges related to public safety. Many cities in Arizona suffer from high rates of violent crimes, poverty, and unemployment. These cities have been making efforts to reduce crimes and to create safer environments for the public including community engagement programs and enhanced law enforcement measures. 

FAQs

Are There Any Safe Places in Arizona?

Cities such as Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale are on the list of the safest cities in Arizona with low crime rates and well-developed safety programs for the community.

What Initiatives Are Being Made to Address the Crimes in These Cities?

Several cities are making efforts to reduce crime in the areas. The efforts include the implementation of measures such as timely police response, improved gun violence detection technology, and community safety programs and initiatives to address crime issues.

Why is Tolleson Considered the Most Dangerous City in Arizona?

Tolleson is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Arizona due to its high crime rate which is more than the national average with high cases of violent crimes.

Which Factors Influence the High Crime Rates in These Cities?

There are several factors including economic issues, gang-related activities, and poverty issues which influence the high crime rate in these cities. 

Has Crime in Arizona Risen in the Recent Years?

Crime in Arizona has varied in recent years. In 2023, there was a significant decrease in crime as compared to the other years. From 2022 to 2023, there was around 17% decrease in crime.