Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populated county with approximately 4.5 million inhabitants, has its share of communities with high crime rates. This article focuses on five such neighborhoods, ranked by the number of crimes per 1,000 people and the type of recorded offenses.
1. El Mirage
El Mirage, a city in Maricopa County with around 35,000 people, has a crime rate of 51.8 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. Property crimes, particularly theft and burglary, are the most common worries. In 2020, El Mirage reported 1,026 thefts and 247 burglaries. While violent crimes such as robbery and assault exist, they have a moderate presence.
2. Tolleson
Tolleson, another tiny town in Maricopa County with around 7,000 residents, with a crime rate of 58.9 per 1,000 people, more than double the national average. Property crimes, notably motor vehicle theft, are common in Tolleson. In 2020, 105 motor vehicle thefts were reported, which equates to approximately one theft for every 67 inhabitants. Burglary and arson rates are also rather high.
3. Guadalupe
Guadalupe, a tiny hamlet in Maricopa County with around 6,000 residents, with a crime rate of 60.8 per 1,000 people, about three times the national average. Guadalupe deals with a significant number of violent crimes, mainly assaults. In 2020, 183 attacks were recorded in Guadalupe, which equates to around one assault for every 33 persons. Property crimes, notably theft, remain frequent.
4. South Mountai
South Mountain is another urban town in Phoenix, with around 123,000 people and a crime rate of 64.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average. South Mountain shares Maryvale’s characteristics, with high rates of both violent and property crime. In 2020, South Mountain saw 49 killings, accounting for 22% of all homicides in Phoenix. The region also has a high level of drug-related criminality and gang activity.
5. Maryvale
Maryvale is a sprawling urban town in Phoenix, with a population of around 208,000. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 67.6 per 1,000 people, which is much higher than the national average of 22. Maryvale, known for its high rates of violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault, had 63 killings in 2020, accounting for 28% of all homicides in Phoenix. Additionally, property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are still widespread.
Conclusion
In Maricopa County, Arizona, some communities have high crime rates. El Mirage, Tolleson, Guadalupe, South Mountain, and Maryvale all have different degrees of criminal activity, with an emphasis on property crimes, assaults, and violent offenses. Each town faces distinct difficulties, contributing to a complex safety environment across the county that requires attention and smart actions.