With a dry climate and warm temperatures, Arizona has witnessed a variety of travelers to the area each decade.
Home to national parks and large sites like the Grand Canyon, there are thousands of visitors coming in.
If you are planning to travel to Arizona in the near future, below are some of the safest cities that you can visit during your stay and some safety tips to make sure it is a positive trip that you remember.
Contents
10 Safest Cities in Arizona
If you do want to visit Arizona soon, there are 10 cities that are safer than others and will allow you to be more relaxed during your visit.
1. Prescott Valley
With nearly 50,000 residents in Prescott Valley, the crime rate is very low compared to other cities in Arizona of this size.
There is a higher chance of petty theft crime and being scammed than you might expect with violence.
The average income is $50,000 for households in this area, so while they are working class, there are some areas that are a bit impoverished.
Most of the visitors coming to Prescott Valley come in the winter when it becomes known as Christmas City and embraces the holiday unlike any other in the state.
2. San Luis
With a booming economy along the border, San Luis offers shopping, dining, and experiences that attract visitors across the state and the Mexican border.
The population is around 40,000 residents and it is continuing to grow as an up-and-coming city in the state.
The crime rate is relatively low, making it a great place to visit and escape for a weekend retreat for visitors.
3. Gilbert
If you want an area that has low crime especially when you want to experience the outdoors, then you need to head over to Gilbert AZ.
It is one of the larger cities on the list, with a population of over 250,000.
The economy in the area is booming and the average income is over $100,000.
Whether you want to take off on horse, foot, or wheels, there are over 135 miles of trails that will get you outside safely and enjoy the area with friends.
4. Surprise
If you are visiting Arizona and want to see what the Old West was really about, then Surprise AZ has held that culture without all the lawlessness that came with the Old West.
A tight ship is run in the city to control crime.
Several western movies were filmed here, including Tombstone.
The population of the area is over 150,000 residents with just as many visitors annually.
5. Florence
For those who have a true love of art and eclectic taste, you may want to put Florence AZ on your list of cities to visit.
In addition to historically registered buildings from the Old West, there are pieces of art found throughout the city and on display.
The crime rates are some of the best in the state with Florence being named once the safest city in Arizona.
6. Sahuarita
With a population averaging around 35,000, Sahuarita has low crime percentages, especially when it comes to violence.
The culture and charm of this small town bring together the Southwestern feel that many are seeking when they visit Arizona.
While in Sahuarita, take advantage of the Safari trails, mineral discovery areas, and Sahuarita Lake where time starts to stand still.
7. Buckeye
With over 80,000 residents in Buckeye AZ, the violent crime rate is one of the lowest in the states.
There are still lower statistics for petty crime, but you may want to make sure you are securing your belongings.
Buckeye prides itself on being a community for local families and families who want to visit Arizona.
The Sonoran Desert surrounds this town, allowing you endless access to trials and other sights to enjoy comfortably.
8. Lake Havasu City
Named after its local lake, the community is built around the water and gives those in the state a place to enjoy.
In the summer, many residents across the state come to visit and take a refreshing dip in the lake.
It is large enough for all watercraft and is a state hotspot throughout the year.
The population averages 60,000 residents and has relatively low crime.
It only seems to rise throughout the summer with property theft when there are lots of watercraft and trailers being left secluded.
9. Oro Valley
One of the more popular suburbs out of Tucson, Oro Valley is home to 46,000 Arizona residents and one of the safest cities in the state.
There is a culture in the city that elevates the fine arts, blending them with recreation.
This makes it a place that has something for everyone who wants to visit and embrace all of Arizona and what it has to offer.
10. Maricopa
There is one final city that you may want to visit when you come to Arizona, and that is Maricopa.
It is one of the first suburbs that took off in the state and has been managing crime ever since its origin.
There are over 50,000 residents in the city and just as many visitors each year.
Many come into the area for weekend getaways and retreats.
Maricopa has always been able to maintain its violence levels over the years.
5 Safety Tips For Traveling to Arizona
Before you visit Arizona, there are a few traveling tips you need to keep in mind to keep yourself safe and healthy.
1. You Will Need Water
Most of Arizona is a desert and the climate is dry.
In the summer months, it is very easy for someone to dehydrate and lose essential water when the temperatures rise about 100 degrees.
If you are out hiking and exploring Arizona’s natural beauty, you need to ensure that you have enough water to keep yourself and those you are traveling with safe.
2. Understand the Wildlife
Arizona is home to numerous poisonous animal species and has large animals out in the wild.
Before you embark on a hiking trail in the Grand Canyon or a local park where you are staying, make sure you know what you might encounter and if they are aggressive.
3. Separate Your Money and Cards
When you are traveling throughout the state, you do not want to keep all of your money in one place.
If you happen to be mugged while out on a trail, you want to have some stashed in your rental car or back in your room so that you have something to get you through.
This is also true if your room is broken into or your rental car is.
Keep some of your money on your person.
4. Have Digital Copies of Documents
Should you lose your documents or have them stolen, it could take weeks to get them back or get new copies.
Keep digital copies of any documentation that you need on your phone so that you have a place to start when it comes to getting new official documents.
This could help you get in places and at least make a claim to your identity if needed.
5. Go With The Brands You Trust
If you are planning to do car rentals or use services that are found throughout the country, choose the brand you know.
While there is some benefit in choosing local, you could be a victim of a scam and be out of lots of money before you know it.
If you already have an established relationship with a company, continue to use them to properly manage your account and your funds.
Arizona Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Arizona Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in Arizona?
The town with the most crime in Arizona is Globe in terms of percentages.
It was once a previous mining camp but the economy left the area and poverty has taken over.
Not to mention this town has a history of being one of the worst in the Old West when it came to criminals and outlaws.
How many major airports are there in Arizona?
There are five major airports throughout Arizona.
They are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Prescott, Scottsdale, and Tucson.
Tuscan and Phoenix have international airports for those traveling beyond the borders of the United States.
I’ve had the pleasure of living in one of these cities, I don’t want to mention the city though. The sense of security and community was truly exceptional. Arizona offers a wonderful living environment.
These cities set an excellent example of what can be achieved through community efforts and law enforcement partnerships. It’s a testament to their commitment to safety.