South Tucson has the terrible distinction of being the state’s crime capital. Despite the state’s various landscapes and lively towns, South Tucson has made headlines for its alarming rates of criminal activity. According to current data, the city has acquired the alarming moniker, indicating a worrying trend in safety and security.
As we look deeper into the causes that contributed to this categorization, it becomes clear that South Tucson’s issues go beyond its gorgeous surroundings, putting light on the intricate interaction of socioeconomic, topographical, and police elements that shape its criminal environment.
What makes South Tucson so dangerous?
South Tucson is a tiny community of roughly 5,000 inhabitants situated within the bigger city of Tucson. It has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a sizable Hispanic demographic. It has a history of gang violence, drug trafficking, and corruption.
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According to the FBI, South Tucson’s violent crime rate in 2020 was 3,331 per 100,000 population, more than ten times the national average of 367. The property crime rate was 12,421 per 100,000 people, more than four times the national average of 2,110. The most prevalent crimes recorded in South Tucson were severe assault, burglary, and car theft.
According to research by RoadSnacks, a website that monitors crime and other data, South Tucson has been named Arizona’s most hazardous city for the third consecutive year. The paper calculated the crime rate per capita by comparing FBI crime data from 2020 to each city’s population. The survey also classified Arizona as the tenth most hazardous state in the country.
How Does South Tucson Compare to the Other Arizona Cities?
South Tucson is not Arizona’s only city with a high crime rate. RoadSnacks also ranked the following cities among the top nine most hazardous in Arizona:
The following cities have violent crime rates:
- Globe, with a violent crime rate of 2,072 and a property crime rate of 9,303
- Holbrook, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Winslow, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Page, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Tucson, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Tempe, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Kingman, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Phoenix, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
- Show Low, with a violent crime rate of 1,974 and a property crime rate of 11,619
These cities have far higher crime rates than the state averages of 1,205 for violent crime and 12,169 for property crime, as well as the national average. Some of these communities, such as Tucson and Phoenix, are also among the state’s largest and most populous, which may exacerbate their crime concerns.
Which cities in Arizona are the safest?
But Arizona also has some towns that are pretty safe and don’t have a lot of crime. Based on the same RoadSnacks study, Florence is the safest place in Arizona. It has a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025. In the ancient town of Florence, which is also the county center of Pinal County, about 26,000 people are living.
RoadSnacks also named the following places among the healthiest in Arizona:
- Paradise Valley, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Sahuarita, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Gilbert, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Oro Valley, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- San Luis, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Somerton, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Marana, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Fountain Hills, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
- Queen Creek, with a violent crime rate of 0 and a property crime rate of 1,025
These communities have far lower crime rates than the state and national averages, and several, such as Paradise Valley and Gilbert, are also among the state’s richest and most attractive locations to live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Tucson has acquired the disturbing distinction of being Arizona’s crime capital, owing to variables such as poverty, low median income, and a history of gang violence. The city’s frightening crime rates exceed national norms, making it the most dangerous in the state for three years in a row.
While some other Arizona communities have high crime rates, some, such as Florence and Paradise Valley, stand out as safe havens, highlighting the enormous disparities in safety across the state. The intricate interaction of socioeconomic variables continues to impact crime trends in Arizona’s various neighborhoods.