Arizona is famous for its stunning desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets, and thriving retirement communities, but beneath the postcard beauty lies a more complex reality. Across the Grand Canyon State, there are small towns and cities where crime rates climb well above national averages, where economic struggles and geographic isolation have created unexpected safety challenges. In these communities, residents face higher risks of theft, assault, and other crimes than their peaceful desert surroundings might suggest.
This list ranks the 30 most dangerous small towns in Arizona based on the latest 2023 crime data from federal and state sources. When we say “dangerous,” we’re referring specifically to crime rates—both violent crimes like assault and robbery, and property crimes like burglary and theft. From border towns grappling with unique security issues to former mining communities facing economic decline, each place on this list has its own story of why safety has become a daily concern for locals.
30. Paradise Valley
Population: 13,900
Crime Rate: Violent – 24 per 100,000; Property – 1,305 per 100,000
Paradise Valley maintains relatively low violent crime but sees moderate property crime rates, primarily driven by theft and burglary targeting affluent neighborhoods. The town’s upscale residential areas attract criminals from surrounding regions looking for high-value targets. Despite its reputation as a wealthy enclave, residents still face about a 1 in 77 chance of experiencing property crime annually.
29. San Luis
Population: 33,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 55 per 100,000; Property – 563 per 100,000
San Luis, located on the Mexican border, reports low crime rates across both violent and property categories compared to other border communities. The town benefits from strong community policing and cross-border cooperation with Mexican authorities. However, its border location still presents unique challenges with smuggling-related incidents occasionally impacting local safety statistics.
28. Oro Valley
Population: 47,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 58 per 100,000; Property – 1,151 per 100,000
Oro Valley experiences minimal violent crime but faces property crime challenges typical of affluent suburban communities. Vehicle thefts and residential burglaries account for most incidents, with criminals often targeting luxury cars and homes in gated communities. The town’s proximity to Tucson creates spillover effects from urban crime patterns.
27. Marana
Population: 56,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 85 per 100,000; Property – 1,798 per 100,000
Marana’s crime profile reflects its rapid suburban growth, with property crimes significantly outpacing violent incidents. The town struggles with retail theft at shopping centers and residential burglaries in newer developments. Economic pressures from rapid population growth have strained local law enforcement resources, contributing to higher property crime rates.
26. Florence
Population: 27,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 96 per 100,000; Property – 473 per 100,000
Florence maintains relatively low property crime but sees elevated violent crime rates for a town its size. The presence of multiple correctional facilities in the area creates unique public safety challenges and influences local crime patterns. Domestic violence and assault cases drive most violent crime statistics in this historically rural community.
25. Chino Valley
Population: 13,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 101 per 100,000; Property – 330 per 100,000
Chino Valley reports low overall crime rates but experiences periodic spikes in violent incidents, particularly domestic disputes and bar fights. The town’s rural character and limited nighttime entertainment options concentrate most criminal activity around a few key locations. Property crimes remain uncommon due to strong community watch programs and geographic isolation.
24. Queen Creek
Population: 75,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 121 per 100,000; Property – 858 per 100,000
Queen Creek’s crime profile reflects typical suburban challenges, with property crimes like vehicle theft and residential burglary being most common. The town’s rapid population growth has outpaced infrastructure development, creating opportunities for criminal activity in less-monitored areas. Violent crimes remain relatively rare but have increased alongside population expansion.
23. Sahuarita
Population: 35,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 127 per 100,000; Property – 915 per 100,000
Sahuarita faces moderate crime rates across both violent and property categories, with retail theft and residential burglary being primary concerns. The town’s location between Tucson and the Mexican border creates transient criminal activity from drug trafficking routes. Local law enforcement focuses heavily on community policing to address quality-of-life crimes that affect resident safety.
22. Somerton
Population: 18,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 130 per 100,000; Property – 430 per 100,000
Somerton’s border location influences its crime patterns, with most violent incidents related to domestic disputes and occasional drug-related violence. Property crimes remain relatively low due to the town’s tight-knit community structure and active neighborhood watch programs. Border security cooperation helps address smuggling-related criminal activity that occasionally impacts local residents.
21. Camp Verde
Population: 12,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 136 per 100,000; Property – 1,524 per 100,000
Camp Verde experiences moderate violent crime but significant property crime challenges, particularly vehicle theft and burglary. The town’s location along major transportation corridors makes it vulnerable to transient criminal activity and drug trafficking. Tourist-related crimes also contribute to property crime statistics, especially during peak visitation seasons.
20. Nogales
Population: 19,800
Crime Rate: Violent – 183 per 100,000; Property – 3,949 per 100,000
Nogales faces significant crime challenges due to its position as a major border crossing, with property crimes reaching nearly 4,000 per 100,000 residents. Cross-border smuggling operations create spillover effects including vehicle theft, burglary, and drug-related violence. The town’s economy depends heavily on border trade, but this also attracts criminal organizations seeking to exploit legitimate commerce.
19. Sierra Vista
Population: 45,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 218 per 100,000; Property – 1,603 per 100,000
Sierra Vista’s crime profile reflects challenges common to military towns, with domestic violence and assault cases elevated above state averages. The presence of Fort Huachuca brings transient populations that contribute to both violent and property crime statistics. Economic pressures on military families and veterans also influence local crime patterns, particularly theft and drug-related offenses.
18. Coolidge
Population: 15,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 220 per 100,000; Property – 1,535 per 100,000
Coolidge struggles with both violent and property crimes, with assault and domestic violence driving violent crime statistics. The town’s economic challenges, including high unemployment and limited opportunities, contribute to criminal activity including drug dealing and theft. Property crimes focus primarily on residential burglary and vehicle theft targeting older, less-secured neighborhoods.
17. Cottonwood
Population: 12,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 248 per 100,000; Property – 1,456 per 100,000
Cottonwood experiences elevated violent crime rates for its size, with domestic violence and aggravated assault being primary concerns. The town’s struggles with substance abuse contribute significantly to both violent and property crime patterns. Tourism to nearby Sedona creates seasonal fluctuations in criminal activity, particularly theft and vandalism.
16. Kingman
Population: 30,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 253 per 100,000; Property – 2,832 per 100,000
Kingman faces significant property crime challenges with rates approaching 2,800 per 100,000, driven by vehicle theft and residential burglary. The town’s location along Interstate 40 creates opportunities for transient criminal activity and drug trafficking operations. Economic decline following the closure of mining operations has left many residents struggling, contributing to both property and violent crime increases.
15. Maricopa
Population: 66,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 255 per 100,000; Property – 783 per 100,000
Maricopa’s rapid growth has created public safety challenges, with violent crimes increasing as the community expands faster than police resources. Domestic violence and assault cases account for most violent incidents, while property crimes remain relatively controlled. The town’s distance from major employment centers creates economic stress that influences local crime patterns.
14. Prescott Valley
Population: 48,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 261 per 100,000; Property – 933 per 100,000
Prescott Valley experiences moderate violent crime rates with domestic violence and aggravated assault being primary concerns for local law enforcement. Property crimes include significant vehicle theft and residential burglary, particularly in newer subdivisions with limited security measures. The town’s retiree population creates opportunities for elder fraud and financial crimes.
13. Lake Havasu City
Population: 58,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 288 per 100,000; Property – 1,247 per 100,000
Lake Havasu City’s crime profile reflects challenges associated with tourism and seasonal population fluctuations. Spring break and summer tourism bring increased violent incidents including bar fights and sexual assaults, while property crimes peak during tourist seasons. Year-round residents face ongoing issues with drug-related violence and theft targeting tourist-oriented businesses.
12. Prescott
Population: 47,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 351 per 100,000; Property – 1,448 per 100,000
Prescott experiences elevated violent crime rates including domestic violence and aggravated assault cases that exceed state averages. The city’s large retiree population creates targets for financial fraud and elder abuse, while downtown entertainment districts see periodic violent incidents. Property crimes focus on vehicle theft and residential burglary, particularly targeting vacation homes and seasonal residences.
11. Payson
Population: 17,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 352 per 100,000; Property – 1,936 per 100,000
Payson struggles with both violent and property crimes well above state averages, with domestic violence and assault cases creating ongoing public safety concerns. The town’s isolation limits law enforcement response capabilities, while seasonal tourism brings transient criminal activity. Property crimes include significant residential burglary and vehicle theft targeting both residents and visitors.
10. El Mirage
Population: 36,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 372 per 100,000; Property – 1,347 per 100,000
El Mirage faces significant violent crime challenges with assault and domestic violence cases creating ongoing safety concerns for residents. The city’s rapid growth has outpaced public safety infrastructure, creating opportunities for criminal activity in underpatrolled areas. Gang-related violence and drug trafficking contribute to elevated violent crime statistics.
9. Flagstaff
Population: 76,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 402 per 100,000; Property – 2,222 per 100,000
Flagstaff’s college town atmosphere contributes to elevated crime rates, with alcohol-related violence and property crimes affecting both students and permanent residents. The transient nature of the university population creates challenges for law enforcement, while tourism brings seasonal spikes in criminal activity. Homeless encampments and substance abuse issues also drive property crime statistics.
8. Bullhead City
Population: 41,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 436 per 100,000; Property – 2,073 per 100,000
Bullhead City experiences high crime rates across both violent and property categories, with domestic violence and aggravated assault cases significantly above state averages. The city’s casino industry attracts criminal activity including theft, fraud, and violent disputes over gambling debts. Drug trafficking along the Colorado River corridor also contributes to elevated crime statistics.
7. Yuma
Population: 98,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 460 per 100,000; Property – 1,483 per 100,000
Yuma’s border location creates unique crime challenges with drug trafficking and human smuggling operations contributing to violent crime statistics. Gang activity and territorial disputes over trafficking routes result in periodic shootings and assaults affecting local residents. The city’s agricultural economy brings seasonal worker populations that create additional law enforcement challenges.
6. Avondale
Population: 90,600
Crime Rate: Violent – 463 per 100,000; Property – 2,481 per 100,000
Avondale faces significant crime challenges with both violent and property rates well above state averages, particularly affecting lower-income neighborhoods. Gang violence and drug trafficking create ongoing safety concerns, while property crimes including vehicle theft and residential burglary impact residents across all economic levels. Rapid population growth has strained police resources and community programs.
5. Page
Population: 7,400
Crime Rate: Violent – 464 per 100,000; Property – 5,227 per 100,000
Page records the highest property crime rate on this list at over 5,200 per 100,000, with tourism-related theft and residential burglary creating severe safety challenges for this small community. The town’s isolation limits law enforcement resources while seasonal tourism brings transient criminal activity targeting both visitors and residents. Violent crimes also exceed state averages, primarily involving domestic disputes and alcohol-related incidents.
4. Apache Junction
Population: 38,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 506 per 100,000; Property – 1,664 per 100,000
Apache Junction experiences high violent crime rates with domestic violence and aggravated assault cases creating ongoing public safety concerns for residents. The city’s large retiree population becomes targets for financial fraud and elder abuse, while drug trafficking through desert corridors contributes to violent crime statistics. Property crimes focus heavily on vehicle theft and residential burglary.
3. Casa Grande
Population: 57,600
Crime Rate: Violent – 530 per 100,000; Property – 2,099 per 100,000
Casa Grande struggles with elevated crime rates across all categories, with gang violence and drug trafficking creating significant safety challenges for residents. The city’s location along major smuggling corridors results in spillover violence affecting local neighborhoods, while property crimes include extensive vehicle theft and commercial burglary. Economic challenges and limited opportunities contribute to ongoing criminal activity.
2. Eloy
Population: 16,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 642 per 100,000; Property – 1,295 per 100,000
Eloy faces severe violent crime challenges with rates approaching 650 per 100,000, primarily driven by domestic violence, aggravated assault, and drug-related violence. The presence of private prisons creates unique public safety challenges for this small community, while economic struggles contribute to property crimes including theft and burglary. Limited law enforcement resources make addressing crime patterns particularly challenging.
1. Show Low
Population: 12,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 828 per 100,000; Property – 2,056 per 100,000
Show Low tops this list with the highest violent crime rate at 828 per 100,000, creating serious safety concerns for residents of this mountain community. Domestic violence and aggravated assault cases occur at alarming rates, while substance abuse and mental health issues contribute to ongoing criminal activity. Property crimes including residential burglary and vehicle theft also significantly exceed state averages, making Show Low Arizona’s most dangerous small town by crime statistics.
References
- Arizona Violent Crime Rate by City (2023)
- Arizona Property Crime Rate by City (2023)
- Page, AZ City Crime Profile (2023)
- Population Profiles (2023 ACS)
- Arizona City Data
- Arizona Demographics
