Is Mesa or Nogales Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Nogales (Safety Score 42/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 3,830 for Nogales — 49% lower. Mesa has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Nogales has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 26.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Nogales — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Nogales, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Nogales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 3,830.1 | -1,882.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 228.6 | +254.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 0.0 | +44.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 0.0 | +50.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 228.6 | +156.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 3,601.5 | -2,136.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 477.5 | -289.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 2,291.0 | -1,212.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 833.1 | -634.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Nogales safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 3,830 for Nogales — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Nogales has 228.6. Nogales has lower violent crime.
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.
About Nogales, AZ
Nogales, Arizona, a border town with Mexico, is bisected by the international boundary. Its historic downtown, once a bustling hub of commerce, reflects its unique binational character as a port of entry. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 19,686, Nogales has a total crime rate of 3,830.1 per 100,000 residents.