| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surprise/100k people | Arizona/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,607 | n/a (estimate) | 985 | 2,214 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 12 | n/a | 7.4 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 27 | n/a | 16.5 | 40.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 11.0 | 64.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 121 | n/a | 74.1 | 312.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 178 | n/a (estimate) | 109 | 422 | 359 |
| Burglary | 154 | n/a | 94.4 | 217.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,113 | n/a | 682.0 | 1,329.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 162 | n/a | 99.3 | 244.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,429 | n/a (estimate) | 876 | 1,792 | 1,760 |
The Surprise crime rates are 53.5% 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 178 violent crimes in Surprise (109 per 100,000 people), which is 69.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1429 property crimes (876 per 100,000 residents) which is 50.3% lower than average.
Surprise shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 109 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Surprise an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
What do the local residents think about crime in Surprise? Well, based on a recent survey of 62 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 76% of Surprise residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 24% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Surprise 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 Surprise crime rate is 54% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.4 crimes per day - 0.49 violent crimes and 3.92 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Surprise has decreased by 31.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Surprise, 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 decreased by 7.8%, while property crime has decreased by 33.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Surprise is a safe place to live.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Surprise, the cost of living is 19.88% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Surprise is $470,443, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Surprise has an average rental rate of $2,165 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Surprise | Arizona | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 175 | 12,274 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Citrus Park, AZ | 5,880 | 137 | 583 | 720 |
| Anthem, AZ | 24,320 | 177 | 753 | 930 |
| Litchfield Park, AZ | 6,410 | 102 | 945 | 1,046 |
| Sun City West, AZ | 27,025 | 254 | 1,079 | 1,333 |
| Peoria, AZ | 177,686 | 255 | 1,205 | 1,460 |
| El Mirage, AZ | 36,729 | 383 | 1,256 | 1,639 |
| Goodyear, AZ | 85,486 | 182 | 1,463 | 1,645 |
| Surprise, AZ | 142,589 | 109 | 876 | 985 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carrollton, TX | 142,475 | 137 | 1,316 | 1,453 |
| Charleston, SC | 142,427 | 358 | 2,022 | 2,379 |
| Waco, TX | 142,208 | 426 | 2,126 | 2,552 |
| Roseville, CA | 143,208 | 219 | 1,420 | 1,640 |
| Metairie, LA | 141,877 | 253 | 1,117 | 1,370 |
| Surprise, AZ | 142,589 | 109 | 876 | 985 |
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