Central City Neighborhood, Phoenix
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Phoenix
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Phoenix
Is Central City Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Central City in Phoenix, AZ has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average of 100. Central City is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Compared to the Phoenix average (crime index 84), Central City is 82% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 166, 66% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 127).
Central City Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Phoenix city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Assault
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
152 | +52% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
166 | +66% | High | |
How Central City Compares
Crime index by category: Central City vs Phoenix average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central City Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central City Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central City, Phoenix?
Central City in Phoenix, AZ has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 166, which is 66% above the national average. Compared to the Phoenix average, crime in Central City is 82% higher. Central City is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Is Central City a safe neighborhood in Phoenix?
Central City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 166), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 127). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Phoenix.
How does Central City compare to the rest of Phoenix?
Central City's overall crime index is 166, compared to the Phoenix average of 84. This means crime in Central City is 82% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 151, and for property crime it is 150. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central City?
The most prevalent crime type in Central City is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 166 (66% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central City?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include South Mountain, Midtown Phoenix, Camelback East and Alhambra. These areas are close to Central City and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central City?
Central City has a population of approximately 67,057. The median household income is $29,163. The median home value is $417,373. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central City crime compare to the national average?
Central City's overall crime rate is 66% above the national average (index 166 vs 100). Within Phoenix, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.