Is Scottsdale or Tucson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Tucson (Safety Score 40/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 3,903 for Tucson — 48% lower. Scottsdale has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Tucson is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tucson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Scottsdale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Scottsdale | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,028.7 | 3,902.8 | -1,874.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 153.3 | 589.7 | -436.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.4 | 6.7 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 33.8 | 47.7 | -13.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 22.0 | 108.1 | -86.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 96.2 | 426.2 | -330.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,875.3 | 3,313.1 | -1,437.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 182.3 | 296.8 | -114.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,534.8 | 2,500.6 | -965.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 158.2 | 515.7 | -357.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottsdale or Tucson safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 3,903 for Tucson — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Scottsdale has a violent crime rate of 153.3 per 100K while Tucson has 589.7. Scottsdale has lower violent crime.
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.
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.