Planning on a big move to Arizona to kick off the new year? If so, looking at crime statistics is crucial before deciding where to settle down. These are the top ten most dangerous cities in Arizona, some of which may surprise you (and some you may disagree with)! For reference, we utilized RoadSnacks’ list.

1. Globe
Globe, AZ, USA
Wikipedia/Jerry Willis
This former mining town used to be safe, but nefarious activity has been on the rise since around 2017. Still in the same spot as last year, Globe is still technically the most dangerous city in Arizona. You have about a 1 in 54 chance of being the victim of a violent crime 'round these parts. But Globe is still not all that bad, despite the scary-sounding numbers. It's a fascinating historic town with plenty of amazing sights to see nearby.
2. Tolleson
Tolleson, AZ, USA
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
Tolleson hasn't moved from its spot since last year either, and it still surpasses Globe in terms of property crime - one in 11 residents are victims. Violent crime, however, has risen very slightly as of late, with 919 incidents per 100,000 people.
3. Page
Page, AZ 86040, USA
Flickr/Diana Robinson
Our beloved Page, home to so many iconic natural wonders, including the Hanging Gardens, is (still) in third place. There's a one in 60 chance of being victimized by a violent criminal and there were 7,076 property crimes per 100,000 residents (we know Page doesn't have 100,000 residents - that's simply the way the stats are set up. If you want to do the math, you can figure it out per 1,000 residents if you want). The silver lining is that the violent crime rate has fallen a bit in the last couple of years, with property crime dropping as well. It does, however, have the highest number of rapes in the Copper State.

Take a driving tour through Page:

4. Winslow
Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Flickr/Alan Levine
Though one of the most charming towns along Route 66, Winslow also happens to (still) be the 4th most dangerous city in Arizona. For every 100,000 residents, there are just over 4,000 property crimes - the rate has stayed about the same since last year. This adds up to about one property crime per day in the town of Winslow.
5. Holbrook
Holbrook, AZ 86025, USA
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Holbrook comes in right behind Winslow. In Holbrook, you stand a one in 130 chance of being the victim of a violent crime. Holbrook also has the second-highest burglary rate in the state, making it one of the worst places to live in Arizona. Interestingly, though, it's the town that inspired the movie Cars!

Find out what there is to do in Holbrook:

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6. Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Flickr/Sean Davis
Arizona's capital and largest city is relatively safe, coming in at #6 despite a population of nearly two million. Residents have a one in 30 chance of being the victim of a property crime, and there are about 698 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. If you enjoy historic homes, the Wrigley Mansion is worth a visit.
7. Tempe
Tempe, AZ, USA
Flickr/CEBImagery
Coming in at #7, Tempe bounced down a spot this year. There were 452 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 3,776 property crimes per the same number. Tempe is still, however, one of THE most happening towns in the Copper State.
8. Tucson
Tucson, AZ, USA
Flickr/David Wilson
With Tucson being the second-largest city in Arizona, its 8th-place ranking is somewhat of a surprise. Violent crime is slowly dwindling, with just 688 per 100,000 people, and you have a one in 20.2 chance of falling victim to property crime (the most common of which is car theft and burglary). It does offer one of Arizona's largest indoor obstacle parks, if you'd like to check that out.

Get an in-depth look at Tucson:

9. Coolidge
Coolidge, AZ, USA
C Hanchey/Flickr
Coolidge is having some kind of something happening lately; it's jumped up multiple spots to appear on the crime rate list this year, making it one of the most dangerous places in Arizona. It has the second-highest murder rate in Arizona. There were 2,991 property crimes per 100,000 residents. It's also home to some of the most fascinating ruins in Arizona.
10. Kingman
Kingman, AZ, USA
Flickr/Steve Walser
Rounding out the list is Kingman, ranking three spots lower than its #7 finish last year, currently a less dangerous city in Arizona than it has been. Still, overall, residents have a one in 22% chance of being the victim of any crime here. Oof. Nearby is an intriguing abandoned mansion for those who have an interest in those types of structures.

 

Do you agree with this list of the most dangerous cities in Arizona? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check out some of the best small towns in Arizona.

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More to Explore

Most Dangerous Cities in Arizona

Tori Jane | December 24, 2021

What are some dangerous places to avoid in Arizona?  

Dangerous places to avoid in Arizona include:

  • Desert hiking trails during the summer
  • Mines

 

Arizona is easily one of the most beautiful states in the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its shadier places. The dangerous towns and cities outlined above aside, there are plenty of highly dangerous places scattered throughout the state that you ought to avoid. For example, desert hiking trails during the summer months. Temperatures in the Sonoran Desert tend to soar to outrageous heights during the months of June, July, and August, occasionally reaching upwards of 120 degrees or slightly more. Monsoon season brings with it plentiful humidity, but even when there’s little moisture to speak of it can still be incredibly hot. People die every year attempting to do desert hikes in the afternoon; heatstroke is a very real issue. There are also plenty of mines that are no longer in use, and the risk of falling down a mineshaft if you’re foolish enough to try and explore them is pretty high.  

What are the safest towns in Arizona?  

The safest towns in Arizona include:

  • Florence
  • Gilbert
  • Surprise
  • Lake Havasu City
  • Oro Valley

 

We’ve discussed the more dangerous towns in Arizona above, so what about the safest towns? Of course, Arizona has no shortage of safe places to live. Among the safest are towns like Florence, which is the only town to regularly report less than 100 property crimes per 1,000 residents. There are also delightful larger towns/small cities like Gilbert, Surprise, Lake Havasu City, and Oro Valley, and there are some totally adorable small towns on the list, too, like Somerton. For more details about each of these and more, check out this article about the safest towns in Arizona. Of course, not making the list isn’t a reason to worry about many of Arizona’s other towns; even the towns with the highest crime rates boast only about a 2% chance of becoming a victim. 

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