Here Are The 10 Most Dangerous Places In Arizona After Dark
Arizona is a beautiful place to live, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s perfect. Is Arizona dangerous, though? Unfortunately, like with any other place, Arizona does have its lesser-safe options. Let’s take a look at the most dangerous cities and/or towns in the state, according to the crime statistics – spots you probably don’t want to hang out in once it’s dark. Here are some of the places to avoid in Arizona after dark (with updates following the release of the 2022 list, linked at the end of the article):
Globe was, ironically, once known for being among the safest wild western mining towns. Nowadays, well, not so much. Globe had 2,142 violent crimes and 7,381 property crimes per 100,000 residents, and it has a 269% higher crime rate than the national average! Update: For 2022, Globe moved slightly to the 2nd for worst places in Arizona with regard to crime statistics, switching places with Tolleson. You may want to consider a quick visit, though, for the best Mexican food in Arizona!
Tolleson had just eight murders in 2020, but there were 460 aggravated assaults and 3,492 property crimes reported that year. Update: For 2022, the city of Tolleson took Globe's 1st ranking in the list.
Page had 1,043 violent crimes in 2020, and 5,108 property crimes. Though its streets are usually safe, it's still smart to take precautions. Page is still absolutely beautiful, though! You should definitely checkout the gorgeous Hanging Gardens near Page. Update: For 2022, Page moved to the 5th spot in the list.
Winslow hosts some wonderful quirks and a legendary street corner, and is not a place you'd usually feel unsafe after dark. It had just 10 murders in 2020. However, 85 rapes and 694 aggravated assaults were reported that year.
Although Tucson has a vibrant music scene, and is a great place for nightlife, according to FBI statistics, it has one of the highest crime rates in the state. In 2020, there were 8 murders in Tucson, and 733 violent crimes as well. Update: For 2022, Tucson moved slightly to the 6th spot on this list. And it made the 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List.
The college town of Tempe falls in sixth place of the most dangerous towns in which to hang out at night. In 2020, there were 4,138 property crimes and 484 violent crimes. Update: For 2022, Tempe shifted slightly to the 7th spot on this list. Visit Tempe Beach Park for the best waterfront views.
Show Low is a beautiful place to live and visit, but it's not without its crime. In 2020 there were 529 violent crimes and 3,828 property crimes. Violent crime has risen by about 35% year to year. Yikes! Update: However, Show Low has improved its crime statistics recently and moved almost off the list completely, to the 10th spot for 2022! For blow-your-tastebuds-away pie, don't miss America's Pie Company in Show Low.
Arizona's largest city comes in eighth on the list of most dangerous places to be at night. During the year of 2020, eight murders occurred and 733 violent crimes were reported. Phoenix's violent crime rate is around twice the national average. Update: And for 2022, Phoenix moved up the 9th spot on this list. It does have some neat themed restaurants, though, that you may wish to check out.
As the sun starts to set in Glendale, you'll enjoy a truly gorgeous setting, but you'll also want to secure your belongings. Though the population is just under 225,000 people, in 2020 4,078 property crimes were reported here. Update: Now for 2022, Glendale's statistics had improved to the point it is no longer included in this top ten list. But it does still have the largest and scariest haunted house in Arizona.
Kingman is a small town, but in 2020 there were 16 rapes and 326 aggravated assaults reported. In addition, 3,883 property crimes occurred. Update: Kingman shifted up to the 8th spot on this top ten list for 2022. Check out the Alien Museum nearby!
Kingman, AZ, USA
On the bright side, Arizonans are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Here are nine reasons why!
Where does your town rank in terms of safety? Is it one of the places to avoid in Arizona after dark?
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Places in Arizona
December 19, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the most dangerous towns in Arizona?
Arizona is a relatively safe state, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its trouble spots. Some of the towns reported to have the highest crime rates include places like Coolidge, Glendale, and Show Low, as well as places like Page (which plenty of folks wouldn’t even guess was on the list of “most dangerous” towns in Arizona). Tucson and Willcox are two more places you’ll often find on “most dangerous” lists, though there are still places with much higher rates as well. Sure, Arizona isn’t the safest – but it’s also not the most dangerous, either, and it’s important to remember than in many cases these towns and cities have their wonderful bits and pieces too, despite the reported crime rates. Interested in a listicle breakdown of the ten most dangerous towns in Arizona? Check this article out! Did your town make the list? Maybe you’ll see some that will surprise you… but then again, maybe you won’t. Guess you’ll have to find out!
What are the crime rates in Arizona like?
Overall, Arizona ranks as #10 in the, statistically, most dangerous and “crime-ridden” states. Regionally, it comes in third after New Mexico and Nevada, and nationwide, it ranks at about the tenth-worst state in terms of property and violent crime. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that those factors alone don’t mean much; plenty of people live their entire lives in the Copper State and never find themselves a victim of any kind of crime even once (and if they do, it still tends to be fairly minor). Of course, Arizona, like many places, has its good areas and its rougher ones; as long as you know where to go and where to hang out, chances are you’re going to be fine.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.