Is Mesa or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than Mesa (Safety Score 43/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 1,948 for Mesa — 2% lower. Mesa has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesa has a 69% lower rate.
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 1,912.7 | +35.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 447.3 | +35.9 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 8.8 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 41.9 | +2.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 59.0 | -8.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 335.0 | +50.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 1,465.3 | -0.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 167.4 | +20.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 1,154.5 | -76.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 143.4 | +55.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 1,948 for Mesa — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Tampa 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 Tampa, FL
Tampa, a Gulf Coast city, boasts a rich Cuban heritage from its cigar industry days. It's a diverse port city situated on Tampa Bay, with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 408,646, Tampa has a total crime rate of 1,912.7 per 100,000 residents.