Scottsdale, AZ Crime Rate – Latest Statistics

Jan 28 2025

Scottsdale is a popular suburb of Phoenix, which attracts many families and commuters. If you are interested in moving to Scottsdale, have been a victim of a crime, or just want to know more about crime in this city, understanding the Scottsdale, AZ crime rate and the latest statistics on crime can help you protect yourself and your property. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Scottsdale, reach out to a skilled Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer.

Scottsdale Overview

Scottsdale is part of Phoenix’s larger metropolitan area, located to the east in the Sonoran Desert between the McDowell Mountains, the Tonto National Forest, and the Salt River. It is home to McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the biggest urban wilderness areas in the country. The city is known for its dry, sunny weather.

Understanding Crime Rates in Scottsdale, AZ

Crime rates measure how much crime is reported to law enforcement in a particular area, compared with how many people live in that area. It is calculated by dividing the number of total reported crimes by the number of total residents. The resulting number gives an idea of the overall impact of crime on the population of a community. Legislatures, city councils, law enforcement, and other government offices use crime rates as a tool to guide policy decisions.

The crime rate of an area gives an overall idea of what the crime level there is like, but it is important to compare the crime rate over time as well as look at other factors, like the most commonly committed crimes. A crime rate does not account for crimes that are not reported or attempted crimes, so it does not necessarily provide a comprehensive picture of crime in a specific location.

Violent Crime vs. Property Crime

When evaluating a location’s crime rate, understanding the different kinds of crimes committed can give a clearer idea of the overall criminal activity in an area, the impact the offenses have on the community, and how great a threat residents face to their safety. Therefore, officials separate crime data into violent crime and property crime to get a better idea of how to create effective policy changes and spread out resources based on the needs of the community.

Violent crimes are distinguished by the use of force or the threat of force against someone else, which may or may not include weapons. Charges are generally categorized as one of the following offenses: homicide, sex crimes, robbery, and assault. From the perspective of the legal system, violent crimes are very serious because there is a high likelihood of a victim sustaining physical injuries. Because of this, violent crimes are often felonies and result in severe penalties.

Property crimes do not use force or threats and involve an individual who takes, destroys, or vandalizes another person’s property. Crimes include larceny, burglary, theft of motor vehicles, and arson. These offenses are often driven by financial reasons. They are usually misdemeanors and can result in jail time or fines. However, if the offender threatens, hurts, or kills someone in a property crime, it may be charged as a violent crime or in conjunction with a violent crime charge.

Scottsdale Crime Rate

In 2024, Scottsdale had a crime rate of 26 criminal acts per resident. This is a 16% drop from 2023 and follows an overall trend of decreasing crime rates in the last few years. In addition, arrests were up 6% from the previous year.

The City of Scottsdale reported 6,435 total crimes in 2024, which is divided into violent crimes and property crimes. There were 4,529 reported property crimes, and 1,906 reported violent crimes. These included:

  • 54 reported robbery cases
  • 442 reported burglary cases
  • 3,673 reported larceny cases
  • 356 reported motor vehicle thefts
  • 4 reported arson cases
  • 3 reported homicide cases, including murder and manslaughter
  • 81 reported rapes and attempted rapes
  • 1,822 reported assault cases

FAQs

Q: Is Phoenix or Scottsdale Safer?

A: Scottsdale is usually considered a safer city than Phoenix. Scottsdale has a smaller area, lower population, lower overall crime rate, and lower violent crime rate. In general, the suburbs of major cities are considered safer than the city’s more urban areas, and Scottsdale is one of the main suburbs of Phoenix.

Q: Is Scottsdale a Nice Place to Live?

A: Yes, Scottsdale is generally considered a nice place to live. The climate, amenities, culture, and economy attract a lot of residents, and the low crime rate and closeness to Phoenix make it ideal for commuters. However, the cost of living is high, and the climate means hot summers and water restrictions.

Q: What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Scottsdale?

A: The safest neighborhoods in Scottsdale are in North Scottsdale, such as DC Ranch and McDowell Mountain Ranch. Residential areas in North Scottsdale are known for planned neighborhoods, gated communities, and low crime rates, as well as security patrols. These elements all contribute to low overall crime rates in these neighborhoods and attract many families.

Q: What Is the Most Common Crime in Scottsdale?

A: The most common crime in Scottsdale is larceny. In 2024, there were more reported larcenies than any other criminal act. Larceny is the illegal act of taking another person’s property without their consent and without the intention to return their property to them. This can include minor charges, like shoplifting, all the way to major offenses, such as grand larceny.

Contact a Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we know that facing criminal charges can be stressful and even frightening. Whether it’s a felony or a misdemeanor, the most effective way to make sure your rights are always protected is to work with a criminal defense lawyer. They have the skills and resources to get the most positive outcome possible in your case.

We treat each client with the time and attention they deserve, and our team can tailor every legal defense strategy to the specific circumstances. If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a criminal offense, reach out to The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation.

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