| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Phoenix/100k people | Arizona/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 51,962 | n/a (estimate) | 3,125 | 2,214 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 139 | n/a | 8.4 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1,069 | n/a | 64.3 | 40.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3,020 | n/a | 181.6 | 64.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9,068 | n/a | 545.3 | 312.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13,296 | n/a (estimate) | 800 | 422 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5,274 | n/a | 317.2 | 217.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 26,308 | n/a | 1,582.1 | 1,329.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7,084 | n/a | 426.0 | 244.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 38,666 | n/a (estimate) | 2,325 | 1,792 | 1,760 |
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 Phoenix crime rate is higher than the national average by 47.5%. Specifically, there were 13296 violent crimes in Phoenix, equivalent to 800 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 122.7%. Furthermore, Phoenix recorded 38666 property crimes, amounting to 2325 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 32.1%.
Phoenix has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 800 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Phoenix falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 126 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Phoenix is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Phoenix reported a total of 7084 vehicle thefts, resulting in 426 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 235, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Phoenix. Based on the results of the surveys (279 responses), 38% of people felt that there was very little crime in Phoenix and felt safe walking alone at night. While 62% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Phoenix 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, Phoenix has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 47%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 142.36 daily incidents, encompassing 36.43 violent crimes and 105.93 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Phoenix as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Phoenix has decreased by 19.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Phoenix 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 decreased by 2.6%, while property crime has decreased by 24.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Phoenix.
The Phoenix region comprises an array of over 15 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Phoenix are exemplars such as Desert View, North Gateway and New Village, whereas Central City, Alahambra and Encanto grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Phoenix, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Phoenix has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.68 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Phoenix are $1,644, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Phoenix | Arizona | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3,986 | 12,274 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Paradise Valley, AZ | 14,999 | 80 | 989 | 1,069 |
| Peoria, AZ | 177,686 | 255 | 1,205 | 1,460 |
| Chandler, AZ | 266,863 | 133 | 1,504 | 1,638 |
| El Mirage, AZ | 36,729 | 383 | 1,256 | 1,639 |
| Mesa, AZ | 521,218 | 483 | 1,465 | 1,947 |
| Youngtown, AZ | 7,044 | 381 | 1,619 | 2,000 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | 261,070 | 153 | 1,875 | 2,028 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1,698,457 | 800 | 2,325 | 3,125 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,632,157 | 909 | 4,548 | 5,457 |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,573,237 | 594 | 4,624 | 5,218 |
| San Diego, CA | 1,466,871 | 412 | 1,670 | 2,082 |
| Dallas, TX | 1,391,819 | 658 | 3,352 | 4,010 |
| San Jose, CA | 1,062,558 | 607 | 2,588 | 3,195 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 1,698,457 | 800 | 2,325 | 3,125 |
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