Mesa, AZ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Mesa, AZ

The Mesa crime rates are 5.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 2193 violent crimes in Mesa (427 per 100,000 people), which is 15.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 9081 property crimes (1770 per 100,000 residents) which is 9.5% lower than average.

In terms of the total Mesa crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Mesa, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

Mesa exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1770 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Mesa maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Mesa?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Mesa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 126 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% of Mesa 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, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Mesa a Safe Place to Live?

Is Mesa a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Mesa has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 5%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 30.89 daily incidents, encompassing 6.01 violent crimes and 24.88 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Mesa as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Mesa Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Mesa has decreased by 7.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mesa is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 5.4%, while property crime has decreased by 9.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mesa.

Mesa Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 6 different neighborhoods in the Mesa 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 Mesa include Southeast, Northeast and Central. While West Central, Southwest and Northwest 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 Mesa

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Mesa crime rates. Mesa registers a population density of 3666.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The median home price in Mesa is $245,500, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Mesa, the average rental rates are $1,105 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Mesa crime map