La Mesa Neighborhood, Tucson
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Tucson
Is La Mesa Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. La Mesa in Tucson, AZ has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Tucson average (crime index 120), La Mesa is 64% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 182, 82% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 82). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
La Mesa Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tucson city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
158 | +58% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
How La Mesa Compares
Crime index by category: La Mesa vs Tucson average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
La Mesa Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
La Mesa Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in La Mesa, Tucson?
La Mesa in Tucson, AZ has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average. Compared to the Tucson average, crime in La Mesa is 64% higher.
Is La Mesa a safe neighborhood in Tucson?
La Mesa is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tucson, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 182), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 82).
How does La Mesa compare to the rest of Tucson?
La Mesa's overall crime index is 184, compared to the Tucson average of 120. This means crime in La Mesa is 64% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 155. 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 La Mesa?
The most prevalent crime type in La Mesa is Murder, with a crime index of 182 (82% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near La Mesa?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Limberlost, Mountain View, Campus Farm and Richland Heights West. These areas are close to La Mesa and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of La Mesa?
La Mesa has a population of approximately 434. The median household income is $41,648. The median home value is $242,221. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does La Mesa crime compare to the national average?
La Mesa's overall crime rate is 84% above the national average (index 184 vs 100). 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.