The sixth largest state by land area, Arizona is known for its vast, scenic desert terrain and sunny climate, making it great for retirees. With large cities like Phoenix and several small, charming towns, Arizona has a perfect blend of urban life and natural sights. Ready to move to the Grand Canyon State? Take a look at the 10 safest cities in the state.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Arizona
1. Paradise Valley
- Population: 14,159
- Violent Crimes: 3 (0.0207 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 196 (1.350 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
46.63% Below National Crime Rate, 56.51% Below State Crime Rate
Paradise Valley lives up to its name by topping the list of Arizona’s safest cities. Located northeast of Phoenix, Paradise Valley is an affluent town known for its golf courses, shopping centers and beautiful mountain views. As home to eight full-service resorts, Paradise Valley truly is a slice of luxury.
2. Thatcher
- Population: 5,048
- Violent Crimes: 0 (0 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 70 (1.3867 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
46.01% Below National Crime Rate, 56% Below State Crime Rate
Looking for a city with no violent crimes committed in the past year? Look no further than Thatcher! Located in Graham County in the southeastern part of the state, Thatcher is a small community that includes an 18-hole golf course and several parks. It’s also home to Eastern Arizona College, which opened its doors in 1888.
3. Gilbert
- Population: 247,463
- Violent Crimes: 243 (0.0946 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 3,273 (1.3226 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
44.82% Below National Crime Rate, 55.04% Below State Crime Rate
Previously called the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” Gilbert is a growing city known for its agricultural roots and high safety ratings. Located just southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert offers residents plenty of restaurants, local arts and crafts and numerous walking trails, earning it a new sobriquet — “Phoenix’s Coolest Suburb.” Whether you want to hit up the farmers market or the local breweries, you can do so with peace of mind in this safe community.
4. Oro Valley
- Population: 44,844
- Violent Crimes: 17 (0.0379 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 610 (1.3603 per capita)
- Most Common Crimes: Larceny and Burglary
45.56% Below National Crime Rate, 55.64% Below State Crime Rate
Driving six miles north of Tucson will take you to Oro Valley, a city with the Santa Catalina Mountains as its backdrop. With more than 50 miles of trails, there’s always something new to see and explore. Need a break from the desert trails? Try cooling down in Oro Valley’s well-known aquatic center.
5. Florence
- Population: 25,987
- Violent Crimes: 34 (0.1308 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 127 (0.4887 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
75.88% Below National Crime Rate, 80.34% Below State Crime Rate
Located southeast of Phoenix, Florence is an old town with historic charm. Founded in 1866, Florence has more than 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is also known for its natural wonders and landmarks such as the Gila River and McFarland State Park. With crime rates well below the national and state averages, Florence is a safe haven for any history enthusiast.
6. San Luis
- Population: 33,074
- Violent Crimes: 8 (0.0242 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 472 (1.4271 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Car Theft
43.49% Below National Crime Rate, 53.95% Below State Crime Rate
Located at the southwestern corner of the state at the California border, San Luis is a growing city in Yuma County. Its close proximity to the Colorado River, Mexico border and California beaches is partly why the city has seen so much growth in the past decade — not to mention its safety ratings. Although San Luis sits at No. 6 on this list, it has the third lowest violent crime rate in the state, with only eight violent crimes reported in the past year.
7. Sahuarita
- Population: 29,896
- Violent Crimes: 38 (0.1271 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 348 (1.164 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
49.73% Below National Crime Rate, 59.03% Below State Crime Rate
Incorporated in 1994, Sahuarita is one of the youngest cities in the state. However, like much of Arizona, it has a rich cultural history due to Native American groups who have called the land home for centuries. Outdoors enthusiasts will love the desert trails, while history enthusiasts will enjoy the Titan Missile Museum, which contains old missiles from the Cold War.
8. Somerton
- Population: 16,380
- Violent Crimes: 19 (0.116 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 218 (1.3309 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary
43.67% Below National Crime Rate, 54.09% Below State Crime Rate
Founded in 1898, Somerton may be a small town in Yuma County, but it has plenty of community events and recreational activities, including casinos and parks. With sunshine most of the year, Somerton is a great wintertime destination. Not to mention the Tamale Festival held every December, which 30,000 people flock to every year.
9. Maricopa
- Population: 48,660
- Violent Crimes: 93 (0.1911 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 489 (1.0049 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
53.43% Below National Crime Rate, 62.05% Below State Crime Rate
Incorporated as a city in 2003, Maricopa is a suburb in the greater Phoenix area. From its Dwarf Car Museum, country clubs and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Maricopa draws more visitors and residents each year. Maricopa’s safety ratings have been steady, with the city taking the ninth safest spot on last year’s list as well. Maricopa also has the second lowest property crime rate in the state.
10. Surprise
- Population: 136,611
- Violent Crimes: 165 (0.1208 per capita)
- Nonviolent Crimes: 2,103 (1.5394 per capita)
- Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault
35.36% Below National Crime Rate, 47.32% Below State Crime Rate
For the last city on our list — surprise! It’s Surprise. Founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, who commented that she’d be “surprised if the town ever amounted to much,” Surprise has grown to more than 100,000 residents and includes such notable attractions as Surprise Stadium, which is the spring training center for the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals baseball teams. Tenth on the safest cities list for two years in a row, Surprise has a steadfast record of safety.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
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Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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