Is Mesa or Yuma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yuma is safer than Mesa (Safety Score 50/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,674 per 100,000 versus 1,948 for Mesa — 14% lower. Mesa has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Yuma has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Mesa is 5.0x 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
Yuma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa, AZ
Yuma, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mesa | Yuma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,947.9 | 1,673.7 | +274.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.3 | 426.5 | +56.8 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 2.9 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 44.2 | 43.1 | +1.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.2 | 23.5 | +26.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 354.0 | +31.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,464.6 | 1,247.2 | +217.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 187.7 | 197.1 | -9.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,078.5 | 888.3 | +190.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.4 | 161.8 | +36.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mesa or Yuma safer?
Yuma is safer with a total crime rate of 1,674 per 100K vs 1,948 for Mesa — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mesa has a violent crime rate of 483.3 per 100K while Yuma has 426.5. Yuma 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 Yuma, AZ
Yuma, a city in the Sonoran Desert, is known for its extreme heat and as the "Winter Lettuce Capital of the World." Situated near the Colorado River and the Mexican border, it boasts a significant Hispanic population and a history tied to its strategic location. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 101,989, Yuma has a total crime rate of 1,673.7 per 100,000 residents.