Arizona : Safety by City
- Casa Grande
- Chandler
- Flagstaff
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Kingman
- Lake Havasu City
- Mesa
- Oro Valley
- Phoenix
- Prescott
- Scottsdale
- Sedona
- Sierra Vista
- Tempe
- Tombstone
- Tucson
- Yuma
Phoenix, Arizona, is known as the “Valley of the Sun” and is the largest city in the Grand Canyon State.
It’s noted for its warm to excessively hot weather, as being an urban destination, and one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country.
While the city is home to 1.6 million, the greater Phoenix region holds nearly five million people.
“Don’t worry, it’s a dry heat” is the anthem of Phoenix and other desert cities.
The desert climate produces low humidity and some of the most beautiful mountains you’ll see, with the browns, reds, and oranges of geography forming nearly lifelike peaks in the distance.
The beauty of Phoenix includes native cacti and not-so-native palm trees.
Some of the most luxurious resorts are in this region, and you’ll be shocked to see people wearing sweaters when it’s 70°(F).
If you look at the sky, you might be blinded by the sun, see a stunning sunset, spot a haboob (dust storm) moving your way, or watch a thunderstorm form and dissipate in the span of an hour – and that can all happen in one day.
You can spend the morning in the city and the afternoon at the top of Camelback Mountain and be back downtown for a nightcap.
Everything you need is close by in Phoenix, but you have plenty of open spaces to explore if you just want to be alone with the desert critters (rattlesnakes, coyotes, scorpions, etc.).
Warnings & Dangers in Phoenix
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Phoenix has a medium risk with a growing crime rate and is one of the more dangerous cities for pedestrians and bicyclists. The unique city has amazing places to explore, but you're on the right page to find out how to explore safely.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Valley Metro offers buses and a metro rail system, with taxis and rideshares widely available. Renting a car is easy, and you can also tour the city on a rented scooter. Shuttle services and private luxury car rentals are also available. There's low risk with any option, but use appropriate caution on any public transportation system.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
There's a low risk of being pickpocketed here but put your guard up if you're in a crowded space or getting off/on public buses or the rail system. That's where people might "bump" into you and try to snatch a wallet from your pocket or purse.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Extreme heat and wildfires are the two biggest risks here. Both can turn into dangerous situations quickly. Flash flooding is also likely when heavy rain falls on dry ground. Haboobs are giant dust storms that can roll through and limit visibility while destroying air quality for a short time. Review the Phoenix Emergency Plan before your visit to learn about the unique weather events here.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
There's a low risk of getting mugged in the areas designated for entertainment or tourism, and many of the robberies that happen here are between people who know each other or local businesses. It's worth noting that you should use caution when you stop at businesses like convenience stores that could be impacted by robberies. Try to get gas during daylight hours and avoid confrontations with anyone around such places.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Phoenix gets a medium risk due to its size and the Air Force bases in the region. That risk also comes with a high level of security. You should follow the guidelines of "See Something. Say Something" when it comes to noticing anything suspicious.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The most common scams here target residents. Whether it's a threat to pay money or be arrested or a utility scam, it's not something a tourist is likely to notice. However, you shouldn't let your guard down and avoid any deal that seems too good to be true.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
The sexual assault rate in Phoenix is about 40% higher than the national average, but there's no data to support whether those or more likely domestic or stranger danger crimes. Since there's a lot of nightlife in Phoenix, it's smart to travel with friends, limit how much alcohol you drink in a new city, and avoid walking around after dark, especially in unknown areas and dark sidewalks.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The 2021 Water Quality Report shows just one violation that lasted all of five minutes, and the water issue that caused the violation never impacted tap water. Otherwise, the water quality was in full compliance. The biggest water challenge in Phoenix is having enough of it, so you might have to follow strict conservation rules while you're there.
Safest Places to Visit in Phoenix
Visitphoenix.com is the official tourism website for the greater Valley of the Sun region.
You can sign up for emails about upcoming events, chat with a tourism representative, or download the visitor’s guide from that website.
Using “official” websites is much safer, especially if you’re going to share personal information or purchase tickets.
Look at the Phoenix Attraction Pass section, where you can purchase a pass to get discounts on multiple tourist attractions.
Phoenix has different neighborhoods to explore, and while it’s impossible to cover them all in this brief summary article, here are some of the safest and most popular neighborhoods.
- Heritage Square: A historic section of the big city, this downtown neighborhood has great architecture and eats while also being home to the Arizona Science Center.
- Roosevelt Row: The artsy part of town with murals, sculptures, and galleries with art events throughout the year. Pick up a map of the self-guided art tour.
- Melrose District/”The Curve”: This vibrant community is LGTBQ-friendly and fierce for its freestyle way of life, shopping, and dining. It’s also one of the only curvy roads in the city.
Papago Park is an urban park that makes you feel like you’re in the center of a wide-open desert.
The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are in this park area and be sure to learn about the unique Saguaro Cactus, which only grows in this region.
No trip to Phoenix is complete without a hike up Camelback Mountain.
When you see the mountain from a distance, it looks like the shape of a camel sitting down – hump and all.
The hike is a bit challenging with a 1,200-foot elevation gain, but the views are worth it if you’re in shape.
Don’t try this hike midday or afternoon in the summer.
It’s just too hot.
South Mountain Park and Preserve is a great hike and natural wonder, but you’ll also find petroglyphs here.
You can drive nearly six miles to the summit if you don’t want to walk or bike it.
Iconic architect Frank Llyod Wright’s winter home is named Taliesin West, and it’s open for tours.
The way Wright blended his creative mind with desert elements is truly stunning.
Native American culture comes to life at the Heard Museum.
You can learn about the nearly two dozen Indian tribes that once walked this land and learn about the Indian Reservations still open.
You can take tours here on horseback, in hot air balloons, on dune buggies, by seaway, or riding ATVs – there’s no limit to the ways you can explore Phoenix and the surrounding desert.
Be sure to use a vendor recommended by the tourism bureau.
Places to Avoid in Phoenix
Phoenix is hit or miss when it comes to neighborhood safety, but when you look at the full picture of violent crime distribution, the areas to avoid are:
- West of I-17
- Along I-17 south of Glendale Ave.
- South of the Salt River
Be extra cautious when choosing a place to get gas or stop at a convenience store.
Many of these locations in more dangerous neighborhoods are going to have a lot of homeless people or drug users around.
It’s more likely you’ll be panhandled or verbally harassed, but there are too many gas stations to have to subject yourself to that.
If you are going to Scottsdale, that’s a safer community for gassing up or grabbing snacks.
There are plenty of jokes to be made about the summer heat in Phoenix, but it’s a real threat.
With an outside temperature of 110°(F) or higher for weeks on end, it can melt or overheat mobile devices, cause burns on your skin or hands, and dehydrate your body, allowing heat exhaustion or heat stroke to happen.
Plan as many activities as you can before 10 am, especially if they are outdoors.
Park in the shade or covered parking whenever you can, even if it means walking a bit more to get to your destination.
I lived in the desert for years, and I have two fingers that no longer have fingerprints because I grabbed a hot steering wheel without thinking about how hot the car was inside.
Also, never leave a pet or a child unattended in a hot car.
Not even just for one minute.
Not only is it illegal, but residents will likely break the windows and call the police.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Phoenix
- The Phoenix Police Department has a list of the most recent crimes on its website. It’s not a map format, but you can see the types of crimes happening. There is an interactive crime map through LexisNexis’ Community Crime Map.
- Phoenix Police have a YouTube channel with videos that update the critical incidents in recent days. This is a great way to see crimes that have been happening closer to your trip.
- Use myPHX311 to report incidents in the city. This could be due to a pothole, tumbleweed, or broken street light. You can see other incidents reported and also reach out to any department with questions. This is not for emergency situations.
- Pools are plentiful in the Phoenix area as a great escape from the heat. Unfortunately, too many people drown because of missing or broken barriers around pools or adults who aren’t paying close enough attention to children. Review the water safety information on the Phoenix city website.
- When it rains in Phoenix, the streets can quickly be subjected to flash flooding. There are washes throughout the city, which are empty river beds. When heavy rain falls, these washes fill up quickly with water, and it’s another drawing hazard. People who aren’t used to seeing water in the washes will jump in and can quickly be carried away. Cars can be swept away in just six inches of water. “Turn Around. Don’t Drown” is the driving mantra during flash flooding.
- Phoenix has scorpions, and they live in cool, dark places inside and outside. Check your shoes and under your pillows during your stay. Scorpions can be small and almost translucent or several inches long and dark. While most people don’t need emergency care for a scorpion bite, young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems should get medical care. Call 1-800-222-1222 if you have any concerns about a reaction to a scorpion bite.
- While it seems obvious, you’d be surprised how many people don’t listen to this one. Don’t touch a cactus. Those suckers are covered in sharp spikes. Some are large, and others are very tiny and can get embedded in the skin. When I lived in Arizona, I never understood how people got Christmas lights on their cacti without being poked a lot.
- Don’t mess with a Saguaro Cactus in any way. Don’t try to break off an arm, take a flower, or dig one up. Even residents and businesses here can’t move a cactus without getting city permission. This particular genre of cactus takes 50 years to grow tall enough to grow arms. If you see a large Saguaro cactus with many arms, it’s likely 200-300 years old.
- Sign up for the Community Emergency Notification System (CENS) through Maricopa County. You must stay aware of developing storms, wildfires, and air quality. Severe storms here can build very quickly, usually in the afternoon, so don’t let a sunny, cloudless morning sky fool you.
- If you take Valley Metro Rail, you can get to some of the biggest attractions in the city, with stops in Mesa and Tempe. An all-day pass is $4. This is a great way to get around, especially if you are drinking alcohol. The Valley Metro app will get the full route in the plan of your hands, and you can see hours, stops, and routes. It also goes to Sky Harbor airport.
So... How Safe Is Phoenix Really?
Phoenix is facing a bad mix of a major police officer shortage and increasing violent crime rates.
It’s a story all too common in American cities in the 2020s.
The violent crime rate is twice the national average.
Robberies and thefts are more than twice the national average.
Assuming you stay in the entertainment and tourism-related areas, you’re likely to face mostly homeless people, drug users, or those in an impaired mental state.
This is where you’ll need strong situational awareness and trust in your gut instincts.
If a situation feels weird, like pulling into a gas station and seeing 10 homeless people smoking crack, move on to another option.
New visitors to the desert also underestimate the damage the heat can do.
I happen to love the heat and would rather deal with an Arizona summer than a Nebraska winter.
That said, there were days I felt like I was baking – like actually in an oven cooking.
Sunburns can happen in 15 minutes without proper sunscreen.
By the time you are thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
On top of the heat, the dry air evaporates much of your sweat, so you might not notice how much fluid you’ve lost.
If you’re an elderly traveler or snowbird coming for a warm winter, watch out for senior scams.
There is a large population of snowbirds here, and scammers will try to take advantage of them in any way they can.
Check the police department and attorney general’s office for common scams.
Call 1-877-382-4357 if you are approached by a scammer.
Phoenix is really a unique city with stunning desert landscapes while still being a large urban and cultural core.
There’s an ugly underbelly of crime, but you’re now better prepared to safely enjoy all the amazing attractions.
How Does Phoenix Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | 46 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Temuco (Chile) | 31 |
| Puno (Peru) | 45 |
| Nara (Japan) | 88 |
| Kanazawa (Japan) | 83 |
| Hammamet (Tunisia) | 78 |
| Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia) | 42 |
Useful Information
Visas
Whether you cross the border or fly into Phoenix, you'll need a U.S. Visa and a passport. Some countries are on a list where residents qualify for a Visa Waiver. Use the U.S. State Department's Visa Wizard to see which Visa is right for you.
Currency
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, and you can exchange currency at many locations around town. Don't use a public ATM, even in the daytime. Go inside a bank to handle any transaction. That said, there's little reason to carry cash as credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted.
Weather
Despite all the talk about heat, the winters can get chilly, especially after dark and in the morning. Since the skies are so clear, the hot air rises, leaving cold air behind. There could also be days that start with jeans-and-sweater weather and quickly become shorts-and-tank-top weather, so bring layers of clothing. Most of the year, you'll be fine leaving any long-sleeved shirts at home.
Airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is less than five miles from downtown. It's a large airport with many direct flights to major cities. That's the closest and largest option.
Travel Insurance
We always recommend travel insurance to protect your flight investment, baggage, rental car, and health. Even getting urgent care treatment for a scorpion sting could cost hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket if you aren't covered by health insurance in the United States.
Phoenix Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
20 | 22 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 41 | 40 | 38 | 32 | 25 | 20 |
| Low °C |
7 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 10 | 7 |
| High °F |
68 | 72 | 77 | 86 | 95 | 104 | 106 | 104 | 100 | 90 | 77 | 68 |
| Low °F |
45 | 48 | 52 | 59 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 50 | 45 |
Arizona - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Casa Grande | 91 |
| Chandler | 64 |
| Flagstaff | 92 |
| Gilbert | 76 |
| Glendale | 70 |
| Kingman | 86 |
| Lake Havasu City | 73 |
| Mesa | 84 |
| Oro Valley | 92 |
| Phoenix | 46 |
| Prescott | 87 |
| Scottsdale | 80 |
| Sedona | 83 |
| Sierra Vista | 78 |
| Tempe | 65 |
| Tombstone | 93 |
| Tucson | 48 |
| Yuma | 86 |
Pretty Spot On
Outside of some exaggerations around getting “mugged”, this was fairly spot on. The average temps are off – Its closer to 105 F average in June, 115 F July-Aug, back to 105 Sept, 100F Oct and the BEST time to visit is Nov-Mar when its perfect weather, barely a need for sweaters (but us natives will wear coats because its the only chance we’ll get) and able to swim in pools most of the “winter”.
I grew up in Maryvale – it’s not INSANELY bad, just rougher, lower middle class and heavily latino. Gang presence is there, but not out in force patrolling the streets or something. During the day you can hit the stores, walk the streets, no worries. I wouldn’t but a home there or hang out at night (especially on the weekends). I’ve dealt with more loud, annoying, stupid young drivers and alcohol but have definitely also dealt with shootings in the area (again, at night).
If your a tourist, its not where you’ll likely be hanging out. And if your getting an AirBnB, I’d recommend elsewhere for the best experience.
Lived in Phoenix for 2 years and bartended a bit. Pretty spot on. Unfortunately I got assaulted walking to my car at 4am after work but otherwise accurate. Use your head, don’t walk around sketchy areas at night (Uber everywhere if a tourist) and you’ll be fine. It’s a good city but just remembe/assume everyone has a gun and wait a few seconds when a light turns green.
Not coming back
Phoenix is a nice place but some of the people here are very aggressive. It’s a pretty dangerous place both in the daytime (in certain areas mind you) and especially at night. I will probably not come back here unless things change for the better. Too bad, there are actually a lot of interesting things to see or do.
Love summer? Then visit Phoenix!
Phoenix is a great place if you really love summer. If you don’t then this is not the place for you. It’s warm and dry here so bring plenty of water 🙂 You can get into biking, climbing, camping, hiking or anything else that’s very outdoorsy. Phoenix is a great place for that and more.
I’m a sun and summer “addict” so I had to go and visit Phoenix. Played some golf while here and yes they do have nice courses. I recommend the Troon North Golf Club.
If you’re planning on spending 1-2 weeks here then definitely go for some day trips from here to close towns like Sedone, Jerome, Prescott or the Grand Canyon. These trips will enrich your time here and are so well worth it. We were here for 2 weeks and we took advantage of everything we could and have hundreds of pictures (and videos) to prove it.
Phoenix is home to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I’ve seen. It’s 140-acre with thousands of different vegetation, plants and animals. Take 1 or even 2 days to take in everything the Desert Botanical Garden has to offer.
A few others places we’ve visited and recommend are the Hall of Flame Fire Museum (has exhibits from both the US and Europe and Japan and it’s nice to see the differences), Papago park, Arizona Science Center (so many interactive exhibits), the Arizona State Capitol Museum (this was the seat of the government up until 1974) or the Phoenix Symphony (full-time symphony orchestra).
If you’re traveling with kids don’t forget to go to the Phoenix Children’s Museum. There are 14 galleries that your kids will love plus the staff is just great with kids.
Phoenix is safe for tourists. Some areas are more dangerous, with higher chances of getting mugged and you should avoid them. While here we didn’t encounter any pickpockets but know they are present so stay alert.
I spent a good bit to relocate my home to Phoenix. I was appalled by the rampant rudeness, cavalier obscenity and super scary criminals all around. I never felt safe. Granted, I am a middle aged woman and not one who blended in with the street scene. Add in the weather, a ruined great car which blew its cooling system, and the bland landscape – not much variety but unique flora and a lunar feel to the hills. I felt welcome only in my church. So needless to say, I wasted a year and savings to be in a place I’d never return to. If you go, be very cool headed. Half the drivers are crazy speed demons, tons of crashes and so many kids are tragically killed.
This breakdown of Phoenix’s safety is so helpful! I’ve been wondering what the crime rates are like, and this post gives a really clear picture.
I’m considering a move to Phoenix, and this report really helps me understand the safety situation. Thanks for the thorough info!