Top 10 Safest Cities in Arizona 2026 Ultimate List

Arizona is undoubtedly a great place to move because of the pleasant weather, beautiful scenic views, and all the amenities of life. However, security can be a significant concern if you are planning to move with your family.

But do not worry—we have your back in this regard. Keep reading, and the forthcoming content will reveal an ultimate list of the safest cities in Arizona for families. So, without any further discussion, let us dig into the content.

Is Arizona Safe?

It depends on where you decide to visit. While Arizona is generally considered a safe place to live for families, like any other region in the world, it also has multiple places with high crime rates. However, if you properly search for safe cities in Arizona, you can move there without worrying about safety and security.

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Top 10 Safest Cities in Arizona

The following cities are ranked based on their combined low rates of violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents.

1. Oro Valley

Consistently holding the top spot, Oro Valley maintains a violent crime rate of roughly 0.6 per 1,000 residents. Located north of Tucson, it is the premier choice for residents seeking a high-tech economy paired with elite public safety.

• Safety Highlight: Its property crime rate dropped by nearly 10% in the latest reporting cycle (2024-2025).

2. Paradise Valley

Technically the city with the lowest raw volume of violent crime (often reporting fewer than 5 incidents per year), Paradise Valley is an affluent enclave. It is ideal for visitors seeking luxury resorts and a mountain backdrop with near-zero violent crime risk.

• Note: While violent crime is low, keep an eye on property security, as high-value homes can occasionally attract burglary.

3. Gilbert

Gilbert is a national standout, frequently ranked as the safest large city in America (for populations over 250,000). It is the heart of family-centric living in the Phoenix East Valley, known for its vibrant Heritage District and proactive community policing.

• Safety Score: 88/100 (one of the highest in the Southwest).

4. Queen Creek

One of the fastest-growing areas in Arizona, Queen Creek has successfully scaled its safety services alongside its population. It recently saw significant year-over-year decreases in both violent and property crime.

5. Sahuarita

Located south of Tucson, Sahuarita is a young, family-oriented town. It offers a 59% lower crime rate than the Arizona state average, making it a safe haven for those visiting the Titan Missile Museum or exploring southern Arizona trails.

6. Thatcher

With a population of just over 5,000, Thatcher is the "small town" champion of safety. It is one of the few places in the state to report zero violent crimes across multiple quarters, offering a tight-knit community feel near Eastern Arizona College.

7. Surprise

Surprise utilizes advanced "hotspot mapping" and community engagement to keep its crime rates roughly 35% below the national average. It is a popular destination for Spring Training fans and retirees alike.

8. Buckeye

Buckeye is a "rising star" in safety. Despite its massive geographic size and rapid growth, it maintains a property crime rate that is significantly lower than the urban core of Phoenix.

9. Maricopa

Maricopa currently boasts the second-lowest property crime rate in the state. Its community-centric approach encourages residents to be highly active in reporting suspicious activities, fostering a very high sense of connectivity.

10. Chandler

Rounding out the list is Chandler, a major tech hub. Chandler is celebrated for its highly responsive emergency services and effective city-wide alert systems, ensuring that even with a large population, the environment remains secure for professionals and families.

What Makes the Safest Cities in Arizona?

Following are some of the significant components that make the above-listed cities safe to live in Arizona:

Low crime rate

All the cities discussed above have meager crime rates, with some having rates as low as 0%. Cities like Gilbert and Scottsdale have reported fewer violent and property crimes in recent years than other places.

Strong law enforcement

The key reasons these cities in Arizona are safe are their strong law enforcement approaches, which include highly responsive emergency staff, the arrangement of youth awareness programs, and so on.

Economic stability

Poverty is known as one of the significant reasons for a high crime rate in any place. However, the places discussed above are economically stable, which automatically decreases the chances of potential crimes.

How to Choose the Safest Place to Live in Arizona?

Make sure to consider the following tips when choosing a city in Arizona:

• Crime statistics: Check the crime rate in potential cities using online resources to see if it aligns with your expectations.
• Economic condition: Remember, the higher a place's economic stability, the lower its crime rate. Hence, check the financial condition of the place you wish to move to in Arizona.
• Check school ratings: If you have children, search for good schools that facilitate a safer environment inside the school territory.

FAQs

Which is the best city to live in Arizona?

Oro Valley is often considered the best city to live in Arizona for those prioritizing safety and quality of life. It has the lowest violent crime rate in the state and offers well maintained neighborhoods, good schools, and ample recreational opportunities.

Is Tucson safer than Phoenix?

Tucson is generally safer than Phoenix when comparing violent crime rates. While both cities are large urban areas with diverse neighborhoods, Tucson experiences fewer incidents per capita, especially in its suburban regions.

What county in Arizona has the highest crime rate?

Maricopa County has the highest crime rate in Arizona, largely due to its size and population density. It includes Phoenix and other major cities, which contributes to higher overall crime numbers.

Conclusion

Although Arizona is one of the most amazing places to live because of its multiple amenities and fresh environment, safety remains a top concern for potential movers. That is why we have discussed the top 10 safest cities to live in Arizona and all the factors you must consider before making a final choice.

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