Phoenix Crime Rate and Everyday Safety Tips

Phoenix draws a lot of people with its sunshine, wide roads, and room to breathe. But once you live here for a bit, it’s normal to ask what the crime rate is really like. Most headlines don’t show the full picture, and Phoenix is so big that safety can feel very different from one area to the next.

In this blog, we’ll look at what the recent Phoenix crime rate actually says. We’ll also share how locals usually protect themselves and their homes, so you can get a clearer and more practical view of living in Phoenix.

Phoenix Crime Rate: The Facts and Figures

Is Phoenix safe? Phoenix has seen its crime rate shift over time. Both property crime and violent crime play a part in the full picture. Let’s look at the latest numbers to see what’s happening in the city now.

Current Crime Rate in Phoenix

Phoenix has a lot of crime for a big U.S. city, and most of it is property crime. The latest FBI-based snapshot from NeighborhoodScout says there are about 33.05 crimes per 1,000 people each year. That includes 7.91 violent crimes per 1,000 and 25.14 property crimes per 1,000. So the bigger everyday risk is things like theft, break-ins, and car crimes. Your yearly odds work out to about 1 in 126 for violent crime and 1 in 40 for property crime.

Niche gives Phoenix a C- for Crime & Safety. Their numbers help explain that grade. Violent crime is higher than the U.S. average across the main types: assault 538.9, murder 11.5, rape 65.6, and robbery 168.8 per 100,000 people. Property crime is more uneven. Burglary (342.6) and theft (1,577.4) sit below national averages, but car theft (563.9) is far above normal. That’s why car theft keeps showing up as Phoenix’s standout issue.

Common Types of Crimes in Phoenix

Crime in Phoenix is mostly property-related, led by theft and car theft. Violent crime is smaller in share, and assault accounts for most violent cases. Here are 2024 citywide counts.

How Has Phoenix's Crime Rate Changed Over Time?

Is Phoenix Arizona safe? Phoenix crime followed the same pattern as many big cities saw. It jumped during the pandemic years, then started to ease later. Even now, it is still a high-crime city overall. The latest FBI-based snapshot puts Phoenix at about 33.05 crimes per 1,000 people each year, made up of about 7.91 violent crimes and 25.14 property crimes per 1,000.

The worst stretch was around 2021 to 2022. Since then, city and police year-end reports show things getting better. In 2024, overall crime was about 4% lower than in 2023, and homicides were down about 28% in one year. That points to a real drop from the early-2020s peak.

What has not changed much is the type of crime people deal with. Property crime is still the main issue. In 2024, Phoenix had 38,666 property crimes compared with 13,296 violent crimes, so most reports are still about theft or damage, not attacks.

Safest Areas and Crime Hotspots in Phoenix

So, is Phoenix AZ safe? Like most big cities, Phoenix has quiet residential pockets and busier districts where more crime shows up. The gap often comes from density, nightlife/commercial zones, and how much traffic moves through an area each day.

Neighborhoods often regarded as safer include:

• Sonoran Foothills
• Stetson Hills
• Tatum Ranch
• North Gateway (outer north)
• Deer Valley (far north pockets)

These areas sit mostly in the far north or foothill edges, with newer housing, lower density, and fewer high-traffic corridors.

Areas that see more frequent activity include:

• Central City / Downtown corridor
• Maryvale (west Phoenix)
• Alhambra / I-17 corridor
• South Mountain Village (north of the mountain)
• Parts of Camelback East along major arterials

These places are closer to the urban core or major commercial roads, so heavier daily activity and older, denser blocks tend to bring more theft and violent incidents. If you live near areas like this, cameras like the eufyCam S4 can help you keep an eye on driveways and street-facing spots, with a wide 4K view and auto-tracking that follows movement outside your home.

Safety Tips for Living in Phoenix

Phoenix feels different block to block, so safety comes from steady habits and simple tools like security cameras that help you see what’s going on at home. Here are practical tips that fit how the city works day to day.

1. Strengthen daily habits

• Lock doors and windows consistently.
• Keep bags, tools, and electronics out of sight in vehicles.
• Close garage doors even during short trips.

2. Improve visibility

• Add or maintain lighting around entryways and driveways.
• Trim plants that create deep shadows near windows.
• Use house numbers that are easy to see at night.

3. Stay aware during routines

• Park in well-lit areas when possible.
• Pay attention when walking to and from vehicles.
• Change routes or habits if something feels off.

4. Cover the outside first

Street-facing spots, driveways, and side yards are common trouble points in Phoenix. A system like the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max helps here by linking several outdoor cameras and following movement across the property, so you get the full picture outside.

5. Keep an eye on what’s inside

Indoor cameras help when you’re out or asleep. The Indoor Cam S350 gives a clear view of the room and can follow movement, which is handy for checking on kids, pets, or any area you care about.

6. Stay in control at the front door

Knowing who is there before you open up lowers risk and protects deliveries. The Video Doorbell E340 lets you see both the visitor and the doorstep at the same time, so packages and foot traffic are easy to check.

7. Get early warnings for home problems

Some risks are not people; smoke, leaks, or forced doors can be just as stressful. The eufy ExpertSecure System adds sensors that alert you right away, so you can act before a small issue turns into damage.

Conclusion

So, is Phoenix AZ safe? The most honest answer is that it depends on the area. Phoenix has quiet neighborhoods and busier parts with more trouble, which is normal for a fast-growing city.

Phoenix crime rate data backs up what many locals feel. Most daily risk is about stuff, like theft, car break-ins, and packages, not constant danger to your safety. If you stay aware, keep good habits, and use simple home tools like security cameras or video doorbells, life in Phoenix can feel steady and comfortable over time.

FAQs

Where does Phoenix rank on crime?

Phoenix ranks as a high-crime city nationally. NeighborhoodScout gives it a Crime Index of 7, meaning it’s safer than only about 7% of U.S. cities, and says over 91% of Arizona communities are safer. Even so, compared with cities its size, Phoenix is somewhat safer than many peers.

Is Phoenix one of the safest cities?

No. Phoenix is not one of the safest cities. NeighborhoodScout places it near the bottom nationally, with a Crime Index of 7 (safer than about 7% of U.S. cities). Most Arizona communities are safer. While some north and foothill areas feel calm, the city overall doesn’t rank as low-crime.

What kind of crime is most common in Phoenix?

Property crime, especially theft around porches, vehicles, and busy residential areas, is the most common type linked to the Phoenix Arizona crime rate. Violent crime occurs far less frequently and is usually more location-specific.

Is Phoenix, AZ a good place to live?

Many people enjoy living in Phoenix for its weather, job market, and lifestyle. Crime exists, as it does in any major metro, but understanding the crime rate in Phoenix, choosing the right neighborhood, and following consistent safety habits help most residents maintain a comfortable and predictable routine.