Is Cottonwood or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood is safer than Mesa (Safety Score 60/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100,000 versus 1,948 for Mesa — 29% lower. Cottonwood has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cottonwood has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 38.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cottonwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cottonwood, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cottonwood | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,391.3 | 1,947.9 | -556.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 223.2 | 483.3 | -260.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.7 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 14.9 | 44.2 | -29.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.3 | 50.2 | -27.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 186.0 | 385.5 | -199.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,168.1 | 1,464.6 | -296.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.9 | 187.7 | -53.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 944.9 | 1,078.5 | -133.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 89.3 | 198.4 | -109.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood or Mesa safer?
Cottonwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,391 per 100K vs 1,948 for Mesa — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cottonwood has a violent crime rate of 223.2 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. Cottonwood has lower violent crime.
About Cottonwood, AZ
Cottonwood, Arizona, nestled in the Verde Valley, was once a thriving ranching community. This Yavapai County town, with a population around 12,000, sits near the scenic Verde River. With a safety score of 60/100 and a population coverage of 13,441, Cottonwood has a total crime rate of 1,391.3 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.