Tempe, Arizona, is renowned for its lively culture, diverse residents, and educational prospects. Housing the University of Arizona, one of the nation’s largest public universities, and the Tempe Town Lake, a sought-after spot for leisure and amusement, the city boasts a vibrant atmosphere.
Nonetheless, similar to any urban area, Tempe faces challenges, particularly in the realms of crime and safety. This piece will delve into the top 5 most hazardous neighborhoods in Tempe, Arizona, for 2023, determined by the incidence of violent crimes reported per 100,000 people.
Knoell Gardens
The community consists of 153 residents and exhibits a violent crime rate of 797 per 100,000 individuals. Additionally, it records a considerable property crime rate of 5,164 per 100,000 people, coupled with a modest median home value of $158,100.
In contrast, this neighborhood features predominantly single-family and attached homes, predominantly constructed between 1970 and 1999.
Notably, it maintains a low crime rate and boasts a significant proportion of college students. Situated in proximity to the University of Arizona and Tempe Town Lake, it offers a desirable location.
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Pepperwood
This community is home to 3,878 residents and experiences a violent crime rate of 999 per 100,000 people. Additionally, it faces a significant property crime rate of 9,254 per 100,000 people, with a median home value of $199,600.
Situated in an urban setting, this neighborhood predominantly features small to medium-sized apartments and townhomes. It boasts a diverse population and offers a relatively low cost of living. Moreover, its proximity to the University of Arizona and Tempe Town Lake adds to its appeal.
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Mitchell Park East
This locality is home to 481 residents and exhibits a violent crime rate of 1,182 incidents per 100,000 people. Additionally, it faces a substantial property crime rate of 4,410 occurrences per 100,000 people, with a median home value standing at $273,500.
Formerly a segment of the Mitchell School campus, this neighborhood primarily features single-family homes constructed between 1970 and 1999. Despite its historical association, it maintains a low crime rate but has a notable proportion of children living in poverty.
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University Heights
This area is home to 1,607 residents and experiences a violent crime rate of 774 per 100,000 people. Additionally, it has a notable property crime rate of 5,012 per 100,000 people and a median home value of $187,500.
The neighborhood is characterized by its dense urban environment, primarily consisting of small to medium-sized apartments and townhomes. It boasts a diverse population with a significant number of college students. The proximity to the University of Arizona and Tempe Town Lake adds to its appeal.
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Kiwanis Park
This community comprises 2,225 residents and exhibits a violent crime rate of 1,309 per 100,000 people, making it the area in Tempe with the highest property crime rate at an alarming 13,242 per 100,000 people. Situated within this neighborhood is a regional park spanning 125 acres of land.
The ranking of these neighborhoods is determined by the incidence of violent crimes (including murder, rape, robbery, and assault) in comparison to the Tempe average for violent crime.
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How Do These Neighborhoods Compare to the Rest of Arizona?
The crime rate in Arizona stands at 234.5 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, indicating that Arizona is safer than the national average of 366.7 per 1,000 residents. However, there are variations in crime rates across different neighborhoods and cities in Arizona.
For instance, Phoenix, the capital and largest city of Arizona, exhibits a higher crime rate than the state average, with 42.86 incidents per 1,000 residents. Conversely, some of the safest places in Arizona are situated in the northwest part of the state, including Valentine, North Rim, Tonopah, Picacho, Dateland, Topock, Oatman, Roosevelt, and Concho.
To illustrate, Knoell Gardens boasts a lower violent crime rate compared to most of its neighbors in Tempe but has a higher property crime rate than Pepperwood. Similarly, Mitchell Park East has a lower violent crime rate than University Heights but a higher property crime rate than Kiwanis Park.
These differences may stem from various factors like population size and density, economic conditions, availability and quality of social services, and the presence of law enforcement.
Final Words
Although Tempe provides a lively and appealing environment, it’s important to consider potential safety issues when selecting a neighborhood. Being aware of the diverse crime rates in different areas enables informed decision-making and empowers residents to take proactive steps for their safety.
It’s crucial to remember that crime statistics alone may not provide a complete picture. When assessing a potential neighborhood, take into account factors such as demographics, community resources, and personal comfort levels.
By staying informed and prioritizing safety, individuals can find a satisfying and secure place to reside in Tempe, Arizona.
