Is Mesa or Sahuarita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sahuarita is safer than Mesa (Safety Score 72/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100,000 versus 1,948 for Mesa — 45% lower. Mesa has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Sahuarita has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 13.9x 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
Sahuarita — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Sahuarita, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Sahuarita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 1,068.9 | +879.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 91.8 | +391.5 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 5.4 | -2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 18.9 | +25.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 2.7 | +47.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 64.8 | +320.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 977.1 | +487.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 81.0 | +106.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 855.6 | +222.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 40.5 | +157.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Sahuarita safer?
Sahuarita is safer with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100K vs 1,948 for Mesa — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Sahuarita has 91.8. Sahuarita 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 Sahuarita, AZ
Sahuarita, Arizona, a growing community south of Tucson, is known for its pecan groves, a legacy of its agricultural past. It's home to a diverse population, including many retirees drawn to its desert landscapes. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 37,049, Sahuarita has a total crime rate of 1,068.9 per 100,000 residents.