Pinal County, located in the center of Arizona, has a population of around 449,557 people, making it the third-most populated county in the state. This county boasts a magnificent terrain that includes mountains, deserts, and farmlands. Nonetheless, safety ratings in Pinal County communities vary greatly.
According to crime data from 2019, certain localities have greater rates of violent and property crimes than others. Below are the top five neighborhoods in Pinal County with the highest crime rates per 1,000 residents:
Read more: Discover Five Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in America, You Must Avoid in 2024
1. Eloy
Eloy, located in southern Pinal County, has a population of around 13,049 people. Eloy is known for its skydiving center and closeness to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, but it also has the worst crime rate in Pinal County.
In 2018, it recorded 414.3 violent crimes and 1,795.5 property crimes per 1,000 population, meaning that one out of every two people in Eloy was in danger of being a crime victim. Assault, robbery, burglary, and theft are among the most common offenses in Eloy.
2. Casa Grande
Casa Grande, a city in western Pinal County, with a population of roughly 51,995. This city is named after the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and serves as a regional commercial and industrial hub. Despite its economic importance, Casa Grande ranks fourth in terms of crime rates in Pinal County.
In 2019, it recorded 469.5 violent crimes and 2,289 property crimes per 1,000 population, meaning that one out of every two Casa Grande residents was at a higher risk of being a crime victim. Assault, burglary, theft, and vandalism are common criminal charges in this region.
3. Florence
Florence, located in the eastern portion of Pinal County, is a town of around 21,229 residents. Florence, the county seat, has a rich history of mining and agriculture. However, it ranks fifth in Pinal County’s crime rates.
In 2019, Florence recorded 166.8 violent crimes and 280.5 property crimes per 1,000 population, indicating that one out of every six Florence residents was in danger of becoming a victim of crime. Domestic violence, fraud, trespassing, and drug crimes are common offenses in this area.
4. Coolidge
Coolidge, a community of around 10,540 people in central Pinal County, is best known for the Coolidge Dam and Central Arizona College. Unfortunately, Coolidge is third in Pinal County for crime rate, with 532.8 violent crimes and 2,991.3 property crimes per 1,000 people in 2019. This figure shows that one out of every two Coolidge inhabitants was at a higher risk of being a crime victim. Murder, rape, robbery, and burglary are among the most common offenses here.
Also read: Here Are The 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona
5. Apache Junction
Apache Junction is located in northern Pinal County and has a population of around 41,739 people. This city, located at the base of the Superstition Mountains and along the gorgeous Apache Trail, has a high crime rate. In 2019, it registered 365.7 violent crimes and 2,814.8 property crimes per 1,000 population, indicating that one out of every three Apache Junction residents was at a higher risk of becoming a victim of crime. Rape, murder, arson, and vehicle theft are among the crimes committed in this region.
Conclusion
Pinal County, Arizona, noted for its various landscapes, has a variety of safety concerns throughout its towns. Eloy, Casa Grande, Florence, Coolidge, and Apache Junction stand out for their high crime rates, raising worries about citizens’ safety. These regions deal with a wide variety of offenses, from assault to burglary, emphasizing the importance of community-specific measures to combat crime and improve public safety.