| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mesa/100k people | Arizona/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10,001 | n/a (estimate) | 1,947 | 2,214 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 14 | n/a | 2.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 227 | n/a | 44.2 | 40.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 258 | n/a | 50.2 | 64.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,980 | n/a | 385.5 | 312.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,479 | n/a (estimate) | 483 | 422 | 359 |
| Burglary | 964 | n/a | 187.7 | 217.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,539 | n/a | 1,078.5 | 1,329.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,019 | n/a | 198.4 | 244.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 7,522 | n/a (estimate) | 1,465 | 1,792 | 1,760 |
The Mesa crime rates are 8.1% 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 2479 violent crimes in Mesa (483 per 100,000 people), which is 34.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 7522 property crimes (1465 per 100,000 residents) which is 16.8% lower than average.
When evaluating the Mesa crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Mesa crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Mesa residents. Out of the respondents (135 in total), 41% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Mesa were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 59% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Mesa a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Mesa crime rate is 8% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 27.4 crimes per day - 6.79 violent crimes and 20.61 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Mesa has decreased by 17.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Mesa, 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 increased by 19.2%, while property crime has decreased by 25.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Mesa is a safe place to live.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Mesa, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 6 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Mesa are areas such as Southeast, Northeast and Central, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like West Central, Southwest and Northwest are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Mesa crime rates. The population density in Mesa is 3776.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Mesa, 83.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Mesa, the cost of living is 11.09% higher than the national average.
| Item | Mesa | Arizona | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,174 | 12,274 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Arizona /100K | National /100K |
| Arizona | 8,206 | 157 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sun Lakes, AZ | 15,319 | 161 | 683 | 843 |
| Queen Creek, AZ | 53,585 | 120 | 822 | 941 |
| Fountain Hills, AZ | 25,686 | 182 | 774 | 956 |
| Paradise Valley, AZ | 14,999 | 80 | 989 | 1,069 |
| Gilbert, AZ | 255,869 | 132 | 968 | 1,100 |
| Chandler, AZ | 266,863 | 133 | 1,504 | 1,638 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 261,070 | 153 | 1,875 | 2,028 |
| Mesa, AZ | 521,218 | 483 | 1,465 | 1,947 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sacramento, CA | 520,516 | 755 | 2,547 | 3,302 |
| Atlanta, GA | 514,426 | 176 | 905 | 1,081 |
| Kansas City, MO | 501,302 | 1,547 | 4,676 | 6,223 |
| Fresno, CA | 543,090 | 735 | 3,271 | 4,007 |
| Omaha, NE | 494,852 | 369 | 3,162 | 3,531 |
| Mesa, AZ | 521,218 | 483 | 1,465 | 1,947 |
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