Arizona’s largest city and capital, Phoenix, is well-known for its bright climate, desolate surroundings, and rich cultural attractions. Phoenix, like any large metropolis, does, however, have problems with crime and violence. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data from 2023 shows that Phoenix had a violent crime rate of 678.1 per 100,000 population, which was higher than the 366.7 national average.
The city as a whole has varying rates of crime, with certain neighborhoods having higher than-average rates. The following are Phoenix, Arizona’s five most hazardous neighborhoods, per the NeighborhoodScout website, which offers crime data and maps for American areas:
5. Central City
Central City, a center for businesses, government buildings, and cultural institutions, is located in downtown Phoenix. It is also well-known for having a high crime rate, especially with regard to property crimes.
In comparison to the city and national norms, Central City has a violent crime rate of 13.63 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 81.32 per 1,000 residents. In Central City, there is a 1 in 73 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
4. The Alhambra
One of the most violent sections in the city is Alahambra, a sizable and multicultural neighborhood in northwest Phoenix with a population of more than 127,000. The rate of property crime is 49.02 per 1,000 residents, while the rate of violent crime is 14.12 per 1,000 residents. In Alahambra, there is a 1 in 61 probability of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
3. Enchanto
Encanto, a historic area in downtown Phoenix, is well-known for its parks, golf courses, and historic residences. But crime, especially violent crime, is a problem as well. In Encanto, there are 15.19 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents, and there are 56.41 property crimes for every 1,000 persons. In Encanto, there is a 1 in 54 chance of falling victim to violent or property crime.
2. Mountain South
Named after the nearby mountain range, South Mountain is a vast neighborhood in south Phoenix that is infamous for crime, particularly violent crime.
The violent crime rate of South Mountain is 16.55 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 51.35 per 1,000 residents. In South Mountain, there is a 1 in 49 probability of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
1. Maryvale
With about 208,000 residents, Maryvale is a sizable and densely populated district in west Phoenix and is known as the most hazardous neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a crime hotspot, especially for violent crimes.
In Maryvale, there are 19.87 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents, and there are 60.38 property crimes for every 1,000 persons. In Maryvale, there is a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
In summary
Phoenix, Arizona, is a thriving, varied metropolis with lots of facilities and attractions. Even with its high crime rate, locals and tourists may make well-informed choices about where to live, work, or travel by looking at the maps and crime data of each neighborhood. Enjoy the city and be careful!