Show Low, AZ Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Show Low, AZ

What is Show Low's overall crime grade?

Show Low, AZ earns an overall crime grade of B for 2026, placing it in a safer tier than many comparable Arizona communities. This grade reflects a balanced picture: property crime remains the most common category of reported incidents, while violent crime rates stay relatively low for a town of its size. With a population of approximately 11,280 spread across a low-density area of just 66 residents per square mile, Show Low's geography naturally limits the concentration of criminal activity that plagues denser urban centers.

How does Show Low's crime rate compare to other cities?

Show Low's B overall crime grade positions it favorably against Arizona state averages and national benchmarks for towns in the 10,000–15,000 population range. Several socioeconomic indicators provide important context: the city's unemployment rate of 7.2% and poverty rate of 15.4% are modestly elevated compared to national medians, and research consistently links economic stress to higher property crime frequencies. That said, Show Low's low population density of 66 people per square mile means incidents are distributed across a wide geographic footprint, keeping neighborhood-level exposure relatively manageable for most residents.

What types of crime are most common in Show Low?

Property crimes — including burglary, vehicle theft, and larceny — represent the dominant category of reported incidents in Show Low, consistent with national patterns for small mountain towns. Violent incidents such as assaults tend to cluster in specific commercial corridors rather than residential zones. Substance-related offenses also appear in the data, a factor that correlates with the city's 15.4% poverty rate and 7.2% unemployment rate. Vandalism and minor disturbances round out the typical incident mix. Compared to Arizona's larger metro areas, Show Low's incident volume is substantially lower on a per-capita basis, contributing to its B crime grade.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Show Low?

Areas near the Show Low Creek Preserve and the Torreon community are consistently regarded as among the safest in the city, supported by active neighborhood watch participation and strong community cohesion. Residential zones adjacent to Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area and near the Bison Golf Course also tend to report lower incident frequencies, benefiting from lower foot traffic and engaged homeowner communities. These neighborhoods align with Show Low's broader B crime grade profile — safe enough for families and retirees, with the usual small-town precautions recommended.

Is Show Low a safe place to live in 2026?

By most measurable standards, yes. Show Low's B overall crime grade in 2026 signals that the city is safer than average for a community of its size and economic profile. The median household income of $49,000 and median home value of $174,394 reflect an affordable, working-class community where housing costs remain accessible — factors that support residential stability and, in turn, neighborhood safety. The median rent of $947 keeps housing attainable for a broad range of residents. While the 15.4% poverty rate does elevate risk for certain crime types, Show Low's low density and strong outdoor-recreation culture foster a community-oriented environment that helps sustain its above-average safety standing.

How does poverty and unemployment affect crime in Show Low?

Show Low's unemployment rate of 7.2% — above the national average — and its poverty rate of 15.4% are the two socioeconomic factors most closely tied to its crime profile. Academic research and FBI crime data consistently show that communities with higher poverty and unemployment rates experience elevated property crime rates, as financial stress increases the motivation for theft-related offenses. Show Low is no exception: property crime is the leading incident category in the city. However, the town's B crime grade demonstrates that these pressures have not pushed overall safety into concerning territory. Community programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and the city's tight-knit culture help offset these economic headwinds.

What should I know before moving to Show Low, AZ?

Show Low offers a compelling combination of affordability and safety for prospective residents. The median home value of $174,394 and median rent of $947 make it one of Arizona's more accessible mountain communities. The city's B crime grade means you're moving into a statistically safer-than-average environment, though standard precautions — securing vehicles, using outdoor lighting, and joining neighborhood watch groups — remain worthwhile, especially given the 7.2% unemployment rate that can contribute to opportunistic property crime. Neighborhoods like Torreon and areas near Fool Hollow Lake are particularly well-regarded for residential safety. Overall, Show Low's low population density of 66 per square mile, scenic White Mountains setting, and community-first culture make it a strong choice for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a safe, affordable place to call home.