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Surprise, AZ Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 829 people in Surprise.

  • Surprise's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 1.21 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Surprise's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 16.72 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on January 31st, 2024 at 09:45 am

    by | Jan 27, 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 Surprise, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    Surprise, 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 Surprise, AZ. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Surprise Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number1762,439706
    Rate per 10001.2116.724.84

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Surprise. 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.

     

    Surprise’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Surprise has a lower violent crime rate compared to both Arizona and the national average. In Surprise, the rate of violent crimes is 1.21 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: Surprise vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Surprise 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 Surprise in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Surprise’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number123127196
    Rate per 10000.010.160.870.130.04
    Population145,832

     

    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 Surprise

    • Surprise’s murder crime rate is 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 86%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.16, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.44 by 64%.
    • The assault crime rate of the city stands at 0.87, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.83 by 69%.
    • Robbery is not a significant concern in Surprise, with a crime rate of 0.13, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 79%.
    • The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.04, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.11 by 64%.

     

    Surprise’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Surprise has a lower property crime rate compared to both Arizona and the national average. In Surprise, the rate of property crimes is 16.72 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: Surprise vs. National Average

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

     

    Surprise’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number19816164151,82714277
    Rate per 10001.360.111.120.112.530.970.53
    Population145,832

     

    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 Surprise

    • Surprise experiences a burglary crime rate of 1.36, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 50%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.11, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 38%.
    • Vandalism is not a significant concern in Surprise, with a crime rate of 1.12, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 72%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.1, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 150%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 12.53 in Surprise, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 10%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 0.97, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 64%.
    • Surprise faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.53, which is 39% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Surprise’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number6554803
    Rate per 10004.490.3300.02
    Population145,832

     

    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 Surprise

    • Drug offenses are a concern in Surprise, with a rate of 4.49, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 15%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 0.33, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.81 by 59%.

     

    Conclusion

    When examining the crime rates of Surprise, it is evident that the city faces certain challenges in its violent crime landscape. The rates of violent crimes, such as murder, assault, robbery, and kidnapping, exceed the national average, indicating areas of concern for public safety.

    Similarly, in the realm of property crimes, challenges arise with specific offenses surpassing the national average. These include incidents of blackmail, pointing to an elevated risk of this particular crime in the city.

     

    Explore cities like Yavapai, AZ, which have a similar violent crime rate to Surprise. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Bentonville, AR.

    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.