Is Glendale or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Glendale (Safety Score 42/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 3,161 for Glendale — 38% lower. Glendale has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesa has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 2.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Glendale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Glendale, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Glendale | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,160.7 | 1,947.9 | +1,212.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 490.0 | 483.3 | +6.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.8 | 2.7 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 44.2 | +13.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 65.4 | 50.2 | +15.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 357.7 | 385.5 | -27.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,670.7 | 1,464.6 | +1,206.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 312.3 | 187.7 | +124.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,920.1 | 1,078.5 | +841.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 438.3 | 198.4 | +239.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendale or Mesa safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 3,161 for Glendale — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Glendale has a violent crime rate of 490.0 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. Mesa has lower violent crime.
About Glendale, AZ
Glendale, Arizona, is a prominent city in the Valley of the Sun, known for its historic downtown and Westgate Entertainment District. As a suburb of Phoenix, it's home to a diverse population of over 250,000 residents. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 255,512, Glendale has a total crime rate of 3,160.7 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.