Phoenix, Arizona, is growing quickly and attracts people from different backgrounds. The city has lots of things to do, like museums, parks, sports places, shopping, and cultural events. Phoenix is known for its sunny weather, diverse food, and lively nightlife.
But not all parts of Phoenix are equally safe and successful. Some places have more crime, like violence and property crimes, which can be a danger to the people who live there or visit.
According to the latest FBI data from 2020, Phoenix had more violent crime (1,507 per 100,000 people) than the whole country (366 per 100,000 people). The property crime rate (2,109 per 100,000 people) was also higher than the national average.
In this article, we’ll talk about the 5 most dangerous neighborhoods in Phoenix using information from different sources.
Maryvale
With a population of 224,370, Maryvale is possibly the largest neighborhood in Phoenix. In the twentieth century, this west-side area was known for having the most crime.
As safer neighborhoods increased, Maryvale’s reputation for crime diminished, although it’s still not the safest place to live. Property crimes, at 3,553 per 100,000 people, outnumber violent crimes, which are at 784 per 100,000.
The total crime rate is 4,336 per 100,000 persons. Maryvale residents have a one in twenty-four chance of becoming a crime victim. For added safety, it’s better to avoid the western part of Maryvale to steer clear of higher crime rates.
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Estrella
The neighborhood has 90,255 people, and the livability index is 55. The main types of crimes here are thefts and vandalism. The total crime rate is 4,199 for every 100,000 people. The rate of violent crime is 97% higher than the national average, but the overall crime rate is 62% higher.
Despite the crime statistics, residents say the neighborhood is safe. They suggest power walking or biking even late at night.
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Laveen
Laveen is a district in the valley with around 55,112 people. Unfortunately, it has more crime than other parts of the town. There’s a lot of violence in different places here, so it’s best to avoid Laveen if possible. People who live here often experience assaults, robberies, burglaries, vandalism, and even gunfire.
The police in this area don’t have enough staff, so they can’t respond to calls as quickly as they’d like. The rate of violent crimes is 64% higher than the national average, and the chances of being a victim of a crime are 1 in 27.
It’s particularly unsafe around the 59th and baseline area, and you should avoid the region north of Southern to the Salt River bottom from 7th Ave. to 48th St.
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Encanto
In this quiet area, about 54,600 people live. Crimes like home break-ins and small property offenses happen here.
The crime report says there are 5,205 incidents for every 100,000 people, compared to the overall crime rate of 6,328 per 100,000 residents. Most property offenses (2,384) are thefts. However, the crime rate is 145 percent higher than the national average.
Most folks in this community like to power walk, except in the west, where it can be risky, especially along 15th Street. It’s recommended to avoid it after 9 p.m. or go in groups, especially for women.
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Alahambra
About 134,116 people live in this mostly working-class area with strict borders. Many locals are upset about drug trafficking and a high level of violence.
It’s kind of like a scene from the game GTA, with frequent police checks, loud car races, and lots of theft. Property crimes make up 5,489 out of the total 6,825 crimes per 100,000 people. The crime rate in Alahambra is 165 percent higher than the national average. It’s considered one of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix.
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Final Words
Phoenix is a lively city with lots to offer, but some areas have more crime. So, it’s a good idea to be extra careful in those neighborhoods. If you’re planning to visit or live in Phoenix, try to avoid these places or be really cautious. Keep an eye on the news for any updates on incidents or events in those areas before you head out.
