Is Phoenix Safe?

 

The city of Phoenix is home to some phenomenal views and is a destination for outdoor adventures, shoppers, retirees, and those just wanting to be somewhere that is always warm. However, the summer weather can become downright hostile, with average highs over 105 degrees.

Still the city with the highest crime in Arizona, crime rates, and specifically violent crime rates, have been falling drastically in the past few decades. The Phoenix metropolitan area does have one of the higher crime rates in the nation, but even so, more people die because of the heat than from violent crimes.

We’ve included some stats, tips, and tricks to allow you to make informed decisions and make Phoenix safe. While it’s up to you to be prepared for the weather, The Advocates in Phoenix, AZ, can help if you have been injured in an accident. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

Phoenix Crime Rates

Phoenix does have the highest violent crime rate in Arizona, though cities like Tempe and Tucson are not far behind.

Phoenix’s 760.93 violent crimes per 100,000 people place it on roughly the same level as Miami and Los Angeles. Property crime rates are 3,670.71 per 100,000 people, leaving Phoenix in the middle of the pack for crime rankings in the United States, and third behind Glendale and Tucson for Arizona. And, as with basically everywhere in the US, homicides are constantly falling in Phoenix.

As with any major city, or anywhere else, it’s crucial to stay aware to stay safe. Keeping your wits about you in downtown Phoenix will ensure you have a much better time.

Phoenix Safety Tips

The most important thing you can do to stay safe is to stay aware. Whether you’re in Phoenix proper or visiting Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, staying aware of your surroundings not only protects you from crime but also from accidents.

If you’re enjoying the city’s nightlife, it’s crucial to be vigilant. Keep purses close and don’t lose sight of them; don’t hang things like purses or jackets on the back of chairs where you can’t keep an eye on them.

Ensure you know where your drinks have been and where they came from. Stay with friends you trust, and don’t leave anyone behind. Don’t drive inebriated. Like most major cities, Phoenix has a robust taxi system and countless rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft.

Staying Safe in the Phoenix Heat

Even places near the heart of Phoenix, like South Mountain, can become incredibly dangerous when the temperature rises. No matter where you are in the Valley of the Sun, it is important to stay aware of the heat and how it will affect you.

To beat the heat, the safest thing to do is to stay indoors with air conditioning as much as possible. If you need to leave the house for your mental well-being, the city’s numerous museums are the best places to enjoy air conditioning in the Phoenix metro area.

You can still enjoy outdoor activities even in the hottest months of the year; you just have to consider your timing. If you want to hike, do so in the morning before the heat really kicks in. Make sure you bring plenty of water, and remember that Phoenix has passed an ordinance prohibiting taking your dog hiking if it is over 100 degrees. It’s probably just a good idea not to hike in general if it is that hot.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in the North Gateway neighborhood, Deer Valley, or any other parts of Phoenix, or even all the way up at ASU; the Sonoran Desert does not discriminate, and it can be deadly.

Phoenix Is Fairly Safe

 

Obviously, visiting Phoenix carries some risk, just like visiting anywhere else. The city has put in a lot of work to increase safety, specifically from the heat, including creating a Heat Relief Network, which you can dial 2-1-1 to find specific locations and information about.

The violent crime statistics for Phoenix may seem alarming at first, as they are significantly higher than the national average. Still, the Phoenix area is safer from crime than it has ever been. Like the rest of the country, crime rates have been plummeting. The most common type of crime remains property crime, as it is in most places. Violent crime is relatively rare.

However, if you are injured and need someone to go to bat for you, you can contact The Advocates personal injury law firm. Our Arizona law firm is ready to help you if you’ve been in an accident. You deserve a team dedicated to you. You deserve an Advocate.