Tucson, Arizona is a relatively safe city for tourists, with a D+ grade, meaning the crime rate is higher than the average US city. The city has a population of 2,236, 95 of residents own their homes, and the average income is around $54,000 annually. The crime rate is nearly zero.
In 2024, visitors haven’t reported any safety issues. However, there are warnings and dangers tips to help stay safe during your visit to Tucson.
Tucson has the highest rate of killing pedestrians, with 688 violent crimes and 3,272 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While there are some areas with lower-than-average crime rates, others face more frequent challenges. Tucson’s biggest risks are wildfires and flash flooding, as well as extreme heat.
The Tucson Police Department and local residents are generally responsive to reports of crime. While Tucson’s main tourist areas are relatively safe, some parts of the city may have higher crime rates, especially at night. Visitors are advised to exercise and plan their trips with confidence.
Despite the US State Department’s warnings about Sonora, a popular destination for some, Tucsonans are not stopping their travel plans. The city’s main tourist areas are relatively safe, but some parts may have higher crime rates, especially at night. Visitors are advised to exercise and stay informed about travel, safety guidelines, and important updates related to COVID-19 in Tucson.
📹 The Don’ts of Visiting Tucson, Arizona
Are you off to visit the University of Arizona or perhaps want to take in the Sonoran Desert Museum? Or maybe you want to have a …
Is it safe to walk around Tucson at night?
Tucson is generally safe for tourists to explore at night, but it’s important to be cautious due to the risk of theft and violence, and to be aware of your surroundings to avoid unsafe decisions.
Is Arizona safe to visit right now?
Arizona, despite the media attention surrounding its border with Mexico, is not a war zone as dangerous as Afghanistan or Iraq. The state is as safe for travelers as any other state, but may encounter U. S. Border Patrol checkpoints in the southern part of the state and illegal immigrants walking along the road. When driving long distances, it is important to carry plenty of drinking water and extra water for your car’s radiator.
When hiking or walking in the desert, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and cactus, especially cholla cactus, which have painful spines that can break off in your skin. Additionally, don’t leave valuables, purses, wallets, or cameras in view in your car during hikes or scenic overlooks.
Is Phoenix safer than Tucson?
Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa were ranked as the least safe cities in a study based on factors such as fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled, DUI arrests, and car thefts in recent years. Memphis, Tennessee, Albuquerque, and Detroit were deemed the most unsafe cities. The safest cities were Boston, New York City, and Honolulu. The report was based on data from Scripps Media, Inc.
What is the 1st safest city in Arizona?
Florence, Arizona’s safest city, has a population of 26, 785 and a crime rate of 355 per 100, 000 people, making it 87 lower than the state average. In 2021, Florence had zero murders, one robbery, and twenty-four assaults, making the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime 1 in 1, 071. The average home price in Florence is $112, 100, 39 lower than the national average and 39 lower than the state average.
Somerton, located in Yuma County, has a population of 14, 866 and a crime rate of 874 per 100, 000 people, 68 below the Arizona average. Residents have a 1 in 115 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2021, there were one murder, three robberies, and twenty-nine assaults.
Prescott Valley, located in Yavapai County, has a population of 46, 785 and a crime rate of 957 incidents per 100, 000 people. In 2021, there were zero murders, ten robberies, and fifty assaults, making the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime 1 in 578. The median home price in Prescott Valley is $176, 400, 4% below the US average.
Is Tucson Arizona a good area?
Tucson, Arizona, is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage influenced by Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences. The city is located in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, surrounded by a beautiful landscape with numerous plant species, including the famous saguaro cactus in Saguaro National Park. Tucson’s cultural scene is a gem, featuring festivals and art galleries celebrating the region’s Native American and Hispanic heritage.
The city also benefits from its abundant solar energy, which receives 300 days of sunshine a year, providing lower electricity bills and promoting sustainability. In 2007, the U. S. Department of Energy designated Tucson as a Solar America City. Overall, Tucson offers a unique and enjoyable living experience for families, students, retirees, and those seeking a luxurious desert lifestyle.
Is Tucson safe for families?
The second-largest city in Arizona offers a variety of family-friendly activities, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and delicious food.
What is the safest part of Tucson Arizona?
In 2024, Tucson offers five safe, affordable neighborhoods: Armory Park, Broadmoor-Broadway, Civano, Old Fort Lowell, and Sam Hughes. These neighborhoods offer affordable Southwestern-style homes and attractions for all age groups. Armory Park, with a median purchase price of $243, 550 and a median monthly rent of $750, is perfect for singles, young professionals, families, and retirees due to its lower crime rate compared to other Tucson neighborhoods.
Which is the safest city in the US?
Lehi, Utah, is the safest city in the U. S. due to its low violent crime rate and property crime rate. Located south of Salt Lake City, it has a median household income of $117, 243 and a low unemployment rate of 4. 4.
Bloomington, Illinois, is home to Illinois Wesleyan University and the corporate headquarters for State Farm Insurance and Country Financial. With over 20 police officers per 10, 000 residents, Bloomington has a higher police per capita rate than Lehi. However, its property crime and violent crime rates are well below the average of 50. 52 violent crimes and 262. 89 property crimes per 10, 000 people.
What is the most common crime in Tucson?
Property crime rates are significantly higher than violent crime rates in all MAP Dashboard geographies. Tucson had the 11th lowest motor vehicle theft rate among the 12 western MSAs in 2020, while Albuquerque had the highest rate of burglary. Tucson’s violent crime rate fell by 27. 1 from 649. 7 in 2005 to 473. 5 in 2020, down from 499. 0 in 2017. Arizona’s violent crime rate followed a similar pattern, decreasing by 21.
9 between 2005 and 2014 before increasing back to its 2005 level. The US violent crime rate has generally declined since 2006, with a slight uptick since 2014. Southern border cities Tucson, El Paso, and San Diego have experienced diverging crime rates.
Violent and property crime data are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR), which collects crime statistics from law enforcement agencies nationwide. However, there are limitations to the data due to differences in collection methods at the local level. For example, the FBI began collecting data for forcible rape under an expanded, revised definition in 2013, but the total U. S. violent crime rate still uses the legacy definition of rape to maintain 20-year trend reporting.
What is the safest city in Arizona to visit?
Florence, Arizona’s safest city, has a population of 26, 785 and a crime rate of 355 per 100, 000 people, making it 87 lower than the state average. In 2021, Florence had zero murders, one robbery, and twenty-four assaults, making the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime 1 in 1, 071. The average home price in Florence is $112, 100, 39 lower than the national average and 39 lower than the state average.
Somerton, located in Yuma County, has a population of 14, 866 and a crime rate of 874 per 100, 000 people, 68 below the Arizona average. Residents have a 1 in 115 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2021, there were one murder, three robberies, and twenty-nine assaults.
Prescott Valley, located in Yavapai County, has a population of 46, 785 and a crime rate of 957 incidents per 100, 000 people. In 2021, there were zero murders, ten robberies, and fifty assaults, making the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime 1 in 578. The median home price in Prescott Valley is $176, 400, 4% below the US average.
📹 20 Things To Do in Tucson Arizona 2024
If you plan to visit Tucson Arizona you may be curious as to what there is to do in Tucson. That is why we made this travel guide for …
I’m biased, but I also highly suggest for people interested in coming to Tucson to look into the local theatre scene here. Usually in mid-September to May, there’s a lot of great theater performances for all age ranges! I’ve had several people come up to me and say “wow! I didn’t realize Tucson had such great theatre!”
If you’re visiting Tucson, you must check out the Saguaro National Park – home of the saguaro cacti. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is excellent. San Xavier del Bac (the White Dove of the Desert) mission is a “must do”, and it’s a short drive from Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Reservation. The Tubac art colony south of Tucson is interesting if you’re into antiques, and the nearby Tumacacori National Historical Park is also nice as it features a smaller Spanish mission church that was never fully completed. Bisbee and Tombstone make an excellent day trip. The local cuisine is great, and carne seca is Tucson’s signature dish.
Loved Tucson when we were there in 2019. I thought the locals, at food and/or drink establishments, were fantastic! I didn’t think the drivers were rude at all. We did everything from the Pima Air and Space Museum, to Tombstone, to the saguaros, to exploring the historic architecture. And yes, the authentic food of the area was great! Would love to go back again!!!
Local from the PHX area: 1) Don’t freak if you see someone carrying a handgun on their hip in AZ – it is legal in most places – I drove for Uber for over 5 years saw many people freak and stat screaming about a “guy” walking into a store with a holstered gun – I would always say that it is not a problem and is not only legal – but in many areas – common, 2) Pima Air and Space Museum right next to Davis Monthan AFB is open for tours and well worth it – the Air Force does not really do tours very often, 3) Do to the smuggling issues we have here in the state – Do Not pickup Hitch-hikers – it is an issue especially if you go to the boarder communities 4) Lock your CAR – see item 3 5) Bring Oven Mitts for your steering wheel during the summer months – & if you have little ones, please be careful of the seatbelt buckles – they get hot enough to leave nasty burns Welcome to AZ in the Hotter Months 6) If you are a General / Extra Class Ham radio the Titan Missile Museum has a HUGE HF antenna that is free to use – just bring your radio – details on their website
I lived in Tucson back in late 90’s. Decided to spend my winters there and summers in Colorado. We were hitchhiking and were pretty much homeless. Lotta couch surfing. Back then marijuana wasn’t like it is nowadays and I’m not sure if AZ legalized or not, but back then you wouldn’t wanna get caught with even a joint. Streets too wide. Small town feel. I remember monsoon. I spent only one summer there. Oh, and peel the prickly pears before eating. My Canadian buddy didn’t.
I’ve lived near Phoenix my entire life, and I think this is very well done. I also frequently hear people from elsewhere say about summer, “it’s a dry heat.” But as you mentioned, that has it’s own challenges, and the UV index is quite high here. Also, Sonoran Desert vegetation doesn’t give you shade. So don’t mess with the heat. I also like Madera Canyon (near Green Valley), which is popular for hiking and birding.
I would slightly disagree and say don’t fear the wildlife here; you’ll be fine if you keep your distance. If you encounter anything like Javelina or rattlesnakes, just stay calm and either stay put or slowly back off. Whatever you do, don’t panic. And don’t try to touch anything without training. These are the two easiest ways to get yourself hurt.
I’m also an AZ local and yet there are still many areas I’ve never had the opportunity to visit yet for example Tombstone or Jerome which actually has a haunted hotel so I really appreciate this. Just a random fact during Spring and Summer I enjoy wearing my Linen shirts and a pair of Chinos as it keeps me cool even during triple digit weather without having to rely on shorts which I use to wear out in public often but now are mostly reserved for my cotton pjs. I’m hoping to add on a 2nd pair of Linen/Cotton slacks as well but anyway excellent job on guiding the audience.
Probably should mention that the condition of the roads in Tucson is horrific. I’ve been to NY, LA, Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Vegas, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento, St. Louis, Cleveland, Akron, Rural PA, East Rutherford, Paris, Amsterdam, London and Birmingham in the last few years and Tucson has the roughest roads to drive on and it’s not even remotely close
The San Xavier is my fave! I grew up in southwest Tucson and just a few minutes from the mission. I love that place! Haven’t been in like 15 years. I am hoping to move home with my family soon, and look forward to taking my kids to a bunch of those places that they haven’t really seen on our family trips to do normal holiday type things.
Tours of the boneyard are no longer available, but it’s worth driving along the outer perimeter. I was stationed at DM but always enjoyed going through the boneyard. Instead, you can visit the Pima Air and Space Museum. If you adventure south of Tucson in the wilderness there are smuggling trails/routes. But they make for great single-track dirtbike riding. If you go up Mt Lemmon you can take the Butterfly Trail to an old crashed F86 airplane.
I worked for landscape company. Back then tucson was growing east like mad. We moved the saquaro cacti to make way for homes. Start at 4am done at noon. Too hot. We hit the Buffet Bar off 4th ave. And then Bison Witches. There used to be a bar called Mutts on 4th Ave. One cent pitchers of beer. Dunno if any of these places still there?
Disappointed in Mark for “Tuck-Son”, as an fellow former resident of the Old Pueblo and Arizona grad, I will now refer to his employer as Illi-noise. The worst thing about Tucson for me was the fact that it’s pretty much ruined Mexican food for me in most the world. I call it “The 90 Day Challenge” and there are a handful of Mexican places I’ve visited in South America, Europe, Asia that would survive 90 days in Tucson. Casa Poca Cosa apparently has closed since we moved away, but so many awesome Mexican restaurants (not counting Taquerias or Sonoran Dog places like BK or El Guero Canelo) that I gain a couple pounds each time I return home.
9:30 people here drive so darn slow. They also have this really annoying habit of stopping to turn right. And it’s only halfway their fault. A lot of the driveways are very narrow and are 90 degree plus turns, with speed bumps right away. And you have to turn right from the travel lanes on a lot of roads. Also, on the traffic front, avoid Ina Road if possible. It’s a mess.
Thank you for not overlooking the El Charro Cafe in your article: “The Oldest Mexican Restaurant North of the Border” is one of my most vivid memories of my visits to Tucson. Not only is it the birthplace of the chimichangas, but an architectural delight where even the bathroom was beautiful! I’ve been to Tucson twice, both times to visit my late mother. I’ve not only been to El Charro and Tombstone, but seen the Fourth Street Winter Festival and tried the Santa Maria tri-tip steak that Mom was so fond of…..