Is Avondale or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Avondale (Safety Score 42/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 2,611 for Avondale — 25% lower. Avondale has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesa has a 48% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 5.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Avondale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Avondale, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Avondale | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,610.9 | 1,947.9 | +663.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 369.8 | 483.3 | -113.5 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 2.7 | +2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 46.4 | 44.2 | +2.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 39.0 | 50.2 | -11.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 279.2 | 385.5 | -106.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,241.1 | 1,464.6 | +776.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 197.0 | 187.7 | +9.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,770.1 | 1,078.5 | +691.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.9 | 198.4 | +75.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avondale or Mesa safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 2,611 for Avondale — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Avondale has a violent crime rate of 369.8 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. Avondale has lower violent crime.
About Avondale, AZ
Avondale, a city in Maricopa County, was once known for its fertile farmlands along the Gila River. This growing community, home to Phoenix Raceway, has a diverse population with a notable Hispanic heritage. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 94,911, Avondale has a total crime rate of 2,610.9 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.