Scottsdale, AZ Crime Rate & Safety

Scottsdale, AZ has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 45% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 463 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 88 chance for property crime. Scottsdale has lower crime than 84% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Scottsdale is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 26 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, McDowell Mountain Ranch is one of the safest areas, while South Scottsdale has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Scottsdale is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Scottsdale are McDowell Mountain Ranch, East Shea, Pinnacle Peak, Troon Village, and Grayhawk. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Scottsdale include South Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, Indian Bend, Horizons, and Via Linda Corridor. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Scottsdale is 215.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 463 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.4 per 100K (53% below average); aggravated assault at 174.2 per 100K (35% below average); robbery at 29.6 per 100K (60% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Scottsdale is 1,132.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 38% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 88 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 150.7 per 100K (44% below average); larceny/theft at 817.0 per 100K (42% below average); vehicle theft at 164.5 per 100K (48% below average).

Scottsdale's overall crime rate is 45% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (35% below average), while rape is 71% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Scottsdale has lower crime than 84% of them.

Scottsdale is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 38% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include McDowell Mountain Ranch, East Shea, Pinnacle Peak.

Arizona as a whole has crime that is 17% above the national average. Scottsdale's crime rate is 45% below the national average, making it safer the typical Arizona city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Scottsdale, with an estimated rate of 817.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 42% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,132 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (216 per 100K) in Scottsdale, which is consistent with national trends.