Is Payson or Tucson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than Tucson (Safety Score 57/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 versus 3,903 for Tucson — 62% lower. Payson has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Payson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tucson is 32.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tucson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Payson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Payson | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,490.1 | 3,902.8 | -2,412.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.1 | 589.7 | -322.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.7 | -6.7 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 47.7 | -47.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 108.1 | -108.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 261.2 | 426.2 | -165.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,222.9 | 3,313.1 | -2,090.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 219.7 | 296.8 | -77.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 872.7 | 2,500.6 | -1,627.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 130.6 | 515.7 | -385.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Payson or Tucson safer?
Payson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100K vs 3,903 for Tucson — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Payson has a violent crime rate of 267.1 per 100K while Tucson has 589.7. Payson has lower violent crime.
About Payson, AZ
Payson, Arizona, "Heart of Arizona," is a small town in Gila County, nestled in the Mogollon Rim. Known for its rodeo heritage, it boasts a population of around 16,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 16,845, Payson has a total crime rate of 1,490.1 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.