Arizona Crime Rates: Why the State Ranks 10th in Violence and 15th in Property Crimes”
Exploring Arizona’s Safety Challenges – High Crime Rates Amidst Stunning Desert Landscapes
According to the Southwest Journal, Arizona is well-loved for its stunning desert views and the iconic Grand Canyon. But behind the beautiful scenery, the state grapples with serious crime issues. It’s ranked as the 10th most dangerous state in the U.S. for violent crime and 15th for property crime. This means that both residents and visitors face a 1 in 204 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance of property crime. So, while Arizona offers breathtaking landscapes, it also has some challenging safety concerns that vary from city to city.
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(PHOTO: Rove.me)
Kingman
Kingman, set along the iconic Route 66 near the Nevada border, is working hard to reduce its crime rates. However, the city still struggles with a high crime rate of 3,923 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 67% above the national average. This means residents face a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a crime victim. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance safety, Kingman remains one of the more challenging places to live in Arizona.
Show Low
Show Low, a city in eastern Arizona known for its wild past as a gambling town still has high crime rates. It reports 2,715 property crimes and 650 violent crimes per 100,000 people, far above the national average. While the city is known as the hometown of actor George Takei, its history of crime continues to impact its safety.
Tucson
Tucson, home to the University of Arizona and known for its arts and culture, struggles with crime. Its crime rate is 69% higher than the national average, with car theft and burglary being common problems. There is some good news, though—crime rates are slowly decreasing. In 2022, Tucson was shocked by the case of Christopher Clements, who was found guilty of kidnapping and killing two young girls, highlighting the city’s issues with violent crime.
Tempe
Tempe, a lively city in Maricopa County with many cafes and nightlife spots, has a serious crime problem. The city’s crime rate is 73% higher than the U.S. average, mainly due to gang activity. Even with a smaller population of about 180,587, Tempe reported 1,152 violent crimes and 7,672 property crimes in 2022. The high crime rate makes it a challenging place to live safely.
Phoenix
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and one of its largest cities, faces crime issues. With nearly two million people, the city’s crime rate is about 3,800 per 100,000 residents, 61% higher than the national average. Despite its cultural attractions and amenities, Phoenix struggles with gang violence in some areas. One of the city’s most notorious criminals was Mark Goudeau, a serial killer who caused fear and pain in the Phoenix metro area with his brutal crimes.
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