Is Apache Junction or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Apache Junction is safer than Mesa (Safety Score 42/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,941 per 100,000 versus 1,948 for Mesa — 0% lower. Apache Junction has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Apache Junction has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 12.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Apache Junction — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Apache Junction, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Apache Junction | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,940.8 | 1,947.9 | -7.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.6 | 483.3 | -54.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.4 | 2.7 | -0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 42.9 | 44.2 | -1.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 9.5 | 50.2 | -40.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 371.5 | 385.5 | -14.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,512.1 | 1,464.6 | +47.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 166.7 | 187.7 | -21.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,107.3 | 1,078.5 | +28.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 238.1 | 198.4 | +39.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Junction or Mesa safer?
Apache Junction is safer with a total crime rate of 1,941 per 100K vs 1,948 for Mesa — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Apache Junction has a violent crime rate of 428.6 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. Apache Junction has lower violent crime.
About Apache Junction, AZ
Apache Junction, Arizona, is a historic Superstition Mountains gateway town, once a popular stop along the Old West Highway. This desert community, home to many retirees and snowbirds, sits near the eastern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 41,994, Apache Junction has a total crime rate of 1,940.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, a sprawling Sonoran Desert city, is home to a significant proportion of the state's Mormon population, reflecting its early agricultural settlements. It's the most populous city in the East Valley, bordering Tempe to the west. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 513,585, Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,947.9 per 100,000 residents.