Is Mesa or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Scottsdale (Safety Score 42/100 vs 40/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 2,029 for Scottsdale — 4% lower. Mesa has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 2.1x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 2,028.7 | -80.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 153.3 | +330.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 0.4 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 33.8 | +10.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 22.0 | +28.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 96.2 | +289.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 1,875.3 | -410.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 182.3 | +5.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 1,534.8 | -456.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 158.2 | +40.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Scottsdale safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 2,029 for Scottsdale — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.