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Mesa, AZ Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 240 people in Mesa.

  • Mesa's violent crime rate is a bit higher than the national average. It stands at 4.17 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Mesa's property crime rate is higher than the national average. It is recorded at 23.5 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on January 31st, 2024 at 09:41 am

    by | Jan 28, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of Mesa, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    Mesa, like any other city in Arizona, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Mesa, AZ. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Mesa Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number2,14212,0787,749
    Rate per 10004.1723.5115.08

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Mesa. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Mesa’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Mesa has a lower violent crime rate compared to Arizona, but higher than the national average. In Mesa, the rate of violent crimes is 4.17 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Arizona it is 9.2 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Mesa vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Mesa compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Mesa in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Mesa’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number251931,471328125
    Rate per 10000.050.382.860.640.24
    Population513,713

     

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Mesa

    • Mesa’s murder crime rate is 0.05, which is lower than the national average of 0.07 by 29%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.38, which is lower than the national average of 0.44 by 14%.
    • The assault crime rate of the city stands at 2.86, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 1%.
    • Robbery is a concern in Mesa, with a crime rate of 0.64, which is higher than the national average of 0.63 by 2%.
    • The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.24, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 118%.

     

    Mesa’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Mesa has a higher property crime rate compared to both Arizona and the national average. In Mesa, the rate of property crimes is 23.5 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Arizona it is 22.61 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Mesa vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Mesa compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Mesa’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number1,37136824577,9931,096701
    Rate per 10002.670.071.60.1115.562.131.36
    Population513,713

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Mesa

    • Mesa experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.67, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 2%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
    • Vandalism is not a significant concern in Mesa, with a crime rate of 1.6, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 59%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.11, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 175%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 15.56 in Mesa, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 12%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 2.13, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 21%.
    • Mesa faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 1.36, which is 56% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Mesa’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number7,1824481061
    Rate per 100013.980.870.110.12
    Population513,713

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Other Crimes in Mesa

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in Mesa, with a rate of 13.98, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 259%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 0.87, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 7%.

     

    Conclusion

    Mesa faces distinct challenges in its crime landscape, notably with kidnapping rates exceeding the national average. Property crimes, including incidents of blackmail, theft, and identity theft, also surpass national averages, indicating areas needing attention. Additionally, elevated rates of drug offenses pose further challenges.

     

    Explore cities like Bradford, AR , which have a similar violent crime rate to Mesa. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Peoria, AZ.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.