Okay, that’s a bit harsh – but some Arizona towns really do make you wonder if the Wild West ever actually ended.
While Phoenix and Tucson get all the attention, there are smaller communities quietly competing for the title of “Most Likely to Make You Sleep with One Eye Open.”
These places have crime rates that would make even a seasoned detective reach for extra coffee.
1. Tolleson, Arizona
Tolleson sits just west of Phoenix in Maricopa County. This small town of about 7,200 people hosts major companies and fun events like TinyFest and the Arizona Jazz Festival.
Tolleson has earned the unwanted title of Arizona’s most dangerous city. The crime rate hits a staggering 13,374 per 100,000 residents.
That’s 470% higher than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 8 chance of becoming a crime victim each year.
2. Globe, Arizona
Globe is a historic mining town in Gila County, east of Phoenix. This frontier community sits right next to the San Carlos Reservation.
The town’s mining economy has struggled over the years. That economic decline has pushed crime rates to dangerous levels.
Globe’s 7,249 residents now face a crime rate of 9,200 per 100,000 people. That’s 254% higher than the national average.
3. Show Low, Arizona
Show Low earned its name from a legendary poker game in this eastern Arizona mountain town. Actor George Takei calls this place his hometown.
The town of 11,500 people sits in beautiful mountain country.
It has one of the state’s highest violent crime rates.
Show Low reports 827 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. That’s more than double Arizona’s state average.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is Arizona’s capital and largest city with 1.6 million residents. The city offers professional sports, great restaurants, and plenty of entertainment.
Size brings challenges. Phoenix recorded over 52,000 total crimes in recent years.
The city saw more than 10,000 violent crimes alone. Gang activity and concentrated poverty in certain neighborhoods fuel these numbers.
5. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona and has a vibrant arts scene. This quirky college town attracts visitors with its downtown energy and cultural events.
The city’s 527,000 residents deal with crime rates 69% above the national average. Car theft and burglary are especially common problems.
You’re better off staying aware of your surroundings here. The city reports over 7,000 violent crimes annually.
6. Page, Arizona
Page sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Powell near the Utah border. This small town draws tourists to nearby Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
The tourism boom creates unique challenges for this community. Seasonal population swings make crime statistics look particularly bad.
Page tops Arizona for property crime with 5,214 incidents per 100,000 residents. That’s a massive problem for such a small town.
7. Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is part of the greater Phoenix area with trendy coffee shops and active nightlife. The city attracts young professionals and college students.
Gang activity plagues this otherwise hip community. The crime rate runs 73% higher than the national average.
Tempe’s 180,000 residents saw 1,152 violent crimes in recent years. Murders and robberies lead the violent crime statistics.
8. Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
Pinetop-Lakeside is a vacation community nestled in Arizona’s White Mountains. This scenic area attracts summer and winter visitors seeking cooler temperatures.
The town’s population swells dramatically during peak seasons. That creates challenges when calculating crime rates against permanent residents.
Pinetop-Lakeside reports 805 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The seasonal population changes make these numbers look especially high.
9. Nogales, Arizona
Nogales sits right on the Mexican border as a major port of entry. This unique location brings both opportunities and challenges for residents.
The city handles massive amounts of cross-border traffic daily. Border towns face special law enforcement challenges that other cities don’t experience.
Nogales reports 3,914 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Most of these crimes affect businesses rather than individual residents.
10. Glendale, Arizona
Glendale is part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The city offers family-friendly neighborhoods and good schools for residents.
Property crime has become a growing concern in recent years. The city recorded over 14,000 property crimes in a single year.
That’s why Glendale ranks among Arizona’s top three most dangerous cities. You’re better off taking extra precautions with your belongings here.
11. Winslow, Arizona
Winslow is famous for the Eagles song “Take It Easy” and sits along historic Route 66. This small town of 9,000 people attracts tourists visiting the Painted Desert.
The town struggles with economic challenges that fuel crime problems. Unemployment and poverty create conditions where crime can flourish.
Winslow reports 742 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. That’s nearly double Arizona’s statewide average for violent crime.
12. Yuma, Arizona
Yuma sits in Arizona’s southwest corner near the California and Mexico borders. This agricultural community has a rich history dating back to the Wild West.
The city’s location creates unique law enforcement challenges. Border proximity and seasonal farm worker populations affect crime statistics.
Yuma’s 95,000 residents face property crime rates 45% above the national average. Vehicle theft and burglary are particularly common problems.
13. Casa Grande, Arizona
Casa Grande lies between Phoenix and Tucson along Interstate 10. This growing city attracts families looking for affordable housing options.
Rapid growth has strained local resources. The police department struggles to keep up with the expanding population.
Casa Grande reports 3,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents. That’s significantly higher than most Arizona communities of similar size.
Why It’s On This List: Rapid population growth has outpaced police resources, leading to property crime rates well above state averages for similar-sized cities.
14. Kingman, Arizona
Kingman sits along historic Route 66 in northwestern Arizona. This desert town serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.
The community faces challenges with substance abuse and poverty. These social issues contribute to higher than average crime rates.
Kingman’s 28,000 residents deal with violent crime rates of 520 per 100,000 people. Property crimes add another 2,800 incidents per 100,000 residents.
15. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is home to Northern Arizona University and sits near the Grand Canyon. This mountain town attracts students and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
The college town atmosphere creates unique safety challenges. Late-night partying and alcohol-related incidents boost crime statistics.
Flagstaff reports 480 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Most incidents involve assaults related to nightlife and college activities.
Why It’s On This List: College town dynamics and nightlife-related incidents push Flagstaff’s violent crime rate above most Arizona mountain communities.
16. Douglas, Arizona
Douglas sits directly on the Mexican border in southeastern Arizona. This small border town has deep historical ties to mining and ranching.
Border communities face special law enforcement challenges. Drug trafficking and human smuggling create safety concerns for residents.
Douglas reports high property crime rates despite its small size. The border location makes it a target for various criminal activities.
Why It’s On This List: Douglas’s border location exposes residents to higher crime rates related to drug trafficking and smuggling activities.
17. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Lake Havasu City is famous for the London Bridge and attracts thousands of spring breakers. This resort town sits along the Colorado River.
Seasonal tourism creates major challenges for local law enforcement. Spring break and summer crowds can overwhelm the small police force.
The city sees crime spikes during peak tourist seasons. Property crimes and alcohol-related incidents surge when visitors arrive.
Why It’s On This List: Massive seasonal tourism influxes create crime spikes that overwhelm local police resources, especially during spring break periods.
18. Sierra Vista, Arizona
Sierra Vista sits near Fort Huachuca in southeastern Arizona. This military town has a population of about 45,000 residents.
The proximity to the Mexican border creates ongoing security concerns. Drug cartels and human trafficking affect the entire region.
Sierra Vista reports property crime rates 25% above the national average. Vehicle theft and burglary are the most common problems.
19. Bullhead City, Arizona
Bullhead City sits across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada. This desert community attracts retirees and casino visitors.
The city struggles with poverty and limited economic opportunities. Many residents live on fixed incomes in an area with rising costs.
Bullhead City reports 2,900 property crimes per 100,000 residents. That’s well above Arizona’s statewide average for communities this size.
20. Eloy, Arizona
Eloy is a small agricultural town between Phoenix and Tucson. This community of 16,000 people relies heavily on farming and related industries.
Economic struggles have plagued this rural community for years. Limited job opportunities and poverty create conditions where crime can thrive.
Eloy reports violent crime rates of 450 per 100,000 residents. That’s higher than most Arizona towns of comparable size.