Is Oro Valley or Tucson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oro Valley is safer than Tucson (Safety Score 66/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000 versus 3,903 for Tucson — 69% lower. Oro Valley has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oro Valley has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tucson is 11.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oro Valley — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tucson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oro Valley, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oro Valley | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,199.7 | 3,902.8 | -2,703.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 51.4 | 589.7 | -538.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.7 | -6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 47.7 | -41.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.1 | 108.1 | -106.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 43.1 | 426.2 | -383.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 3,313.1 | -2,164.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 57.5 | 296.8 | -239.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,049.7 | 2,500.6 | -1,450.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 41.1 | 515.7 | -474.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oro Valley or Tucson safer?
Oro Valley is safer with a total crime rate of 1,200 per 100K vs 3,903 for Tucson — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oro Valley has a violent crime rate of 51.4 per 100K while Tucson has 589.7. Oro Valley has lower violent crime.
About Oro Valley, AZ
Oro Valley, a picturesque town north of Tucson, is home to the historic Steam Pump Ranch. Nestled against the Santa Catalina Mountains, its population is notably affluent and well-educated. With a safety score of 66/100 and a population coverage of 48,680, Oro Valley has a total crime rate of 1,199.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Tucson, AZ
Tucson, a Sonoran Desert city in southern Arizona, is known for its vibrant Mexican-American heritage and the University of Arizona. Over half a million people reside here, nestled among five mountain ranges. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 548,789, Tucson has a total crime rate of 3,902.8 per 100,000 residents.