Tempe, AZ Crime Rate & Safety

Tempe, AZ has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 26% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 205 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 32 chance for property crime. Tempe has higher crime than 81% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Tempe has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Approximately 88% of the city's 25 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Warner Ranch is one of the safest areas, while Sunset has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Tempe is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Tempe are Warner Ranch, Optimist Park Southeast, Optimist Park Southwest, Optimist Park Northwest, and Optimist Park Northeast. 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 Tempe include Sunset, Alegre Community, Riverside, Holdeman, and Gililland. 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 Tempe is 487.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 28% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 205 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 7.4 per 100K (49% above average); aggravated assault at 302.5 per 100K (13% above average); robbery at 125.0 per 100K (69% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Tempe is 3,163.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 73% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 32 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 353.1 per 100K (31% above average); larceny/theft at 2,312.1 per 100K (65% above average); vehicle theft at 498.6 per 100K (56% above average).

Tempe's overall crime rate is 26% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (69% above average), while assault is 13% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Tempe has higher crime than 81% of them.

Visitors to Tempe should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 73% above 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 Warner Ranch, Optimist Park Southeast, Optimist Park Southwest.

Arizona as a whole has crime that is 17% above the national average. Tempe's crime rate is 26% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Arizona city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Tempe, with an estimated rate of 2,312.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 65% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,164 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (488 per 100K) in Tempe, which is consistent with national trends.