Last Updated on: 13th August 2026, 09:24 pm
The crime rate in Peoria, AZ is generally low for a city of its size, and most data sources rate it as safer than the national average. Peoria is the sixth-largest city in Arizona, with roughly 224,000 residents in the northwest Phoenix metro area, and its safety profile is one of the reasons it consistently ranks among the more desirable places to live in the West Valley. Depending on the methodology, estimates place Peoria’s overall crime rate anywhere from about 25 to 47 percent below the national average, with a violent crime rate that is meaningfully lower than most U.S. cities and a property crime rate that, while more common, still sits below national norms. Property crime, led by larceny and theft, is far more frequent than violent crime here, which is consistent with national patterns. Just as important, the trend is moving in the right direction: recent year-over-year data show total crime, violent crime, and property crime all declining in Peoria, with violent crime dropping sharply in the most recent reporting period and homicides falling to just a handful per year
The crime rate in Peoria is not a single number, and it is worth understanding why sources disagree. National ranking sites use different formulas and different comparison groups, so one analysis may call Peoria safer than 66 percent of U.S. cities while another, comparing it against every community in the country, including very small towns, frames it more cautiously. What nearly all of them agree on is the practical picture: Peoria is safer than the Arizona state average, safer than most cities of comparable population, and anchored by a stable local economy with a poverty rate around 8.6 percent, well below the national figure, and a median household income above $76,000. Crime also varies significantly from one part of the city to another, so the citywide average matters far less to a resident than the safety of the specific neighborhood they choose. The sections below break down the numbers, the safest areas, and how to read Peoria crime data accurately before you decide where to live.
Table of Contents
Peoria Crime Rate by the Numbers
Peoria’s crime statistics come from FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, which the Peoria Police Department also publishes in a monthly snapshot using the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Here is how the core rates break down based on recent analyses.
| Crime Category | Approximate Rate | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall crime | 25 to 47% below average (varies by source) | Lower |
| Violent crime | ~215 per 100,000 residents | About 44% lower |
| Property crime | ~1,376 per 100,000 residents | About 25% lower |
| Larceny/theft | ~964 per 100,000 residents | The most common crime |
| Homicide | ~3 per year | Well below average |
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Peoria is roughly 1 in 390 to 1 in 466 per year, while the chance of experiencing a property crime is closer to 1 in 68 to 1 in 73. In plain terms, the average resident’s biggest realistic concern is property crime, such as vehicle break-ins and package or vehicle theft, rather than violent crime.
Crime Trends: The Direction Matters
A snapshot only tells part of the story. Peoria has seen crime decline over recent years. One analysis of the latest data found total crime down about 6.6 percent year over year, with violent crime falling around 22 percent and property crime down about 4 percent. Homicides also dropped in the most recent count. Over a five-year window, both violent and property crimes have trended downward. A falling trend in a growing city is a positive sign, since population growth often pushes raw crime counts up even when rates fall.
Safest Areas in Peoria
Safety varies widely by neighborhood, and residents generally consider the northern and northeastern parts of the city to be the safest. Your statistical chance of being a victim ranges from roughly 1 in 37 in some southern areas to about 1 in 99 in the northeast.
Neighborhoods that consistently earn top safety grades include:
- Vistancia South and Vistancia North in far north Peoria, master-planned communities with high median incomes and very low crime scores.
- Mesquite, another north Peoria area that regularly earns an A or A+ safety grade.
- Palo Verde and Ironwood, established neighborhoods with strong safety records.
These areas are popular with families, professionals, and retirees who prioritize security. As a general rule in Peoria, the newer master-planned communities to the north report the lowest crime, while some older southern and central areas report higher totals.
How to Read Peoria Crime Maps Accurately
Crime maps are useful, but they are easy to misinterpret. Keep these points in mind:
- Rates are measured per resident. Commercial and retail districts, like the central shopping corridors, can look high-crime simply because many people pass through even though few people live there.
- Parks, schools, and busy areas attract visitors, which can inflate the local rate without meaning the area is dangerous for residents.
- Red zones are not automatically unsafe for the people who actually live there. Look at residential neighborhoods specifically.
- Check recent, local data. The Peoria Police Department’s monthly crime snapshot reflects current conditions better than a year-old national estimate.
Putting Peoria’s Crime Rate in Context
Compared with its neighbors and with Arizona as a whole, Peoria holds up well. Arizona’s statewide crime rate runs above the national average, yet Peoria comes in below it, making the city safer than the typical Arizona community. The estimated cost of crime per resident in Peoria is around $320 per year, below both the state and national figures. Combined with low unemployment, a low poverty rate, and steady economic growth, these numbers point to a stable, community-focused city rather than a high-risk one.
For anyone weighing a move, the takeaway is simple: Peoria is a reasonably safe city overall; safety differs by neighborhood, and the smart approach is to research the specific area and street you are considering rather than rely on the citywide average. Visiting at different times of day and reviewing recent local police data will tell you far more than any single statistic.
Moving to a Peoria Neighborhood You Feel Good About
Once you have found a Peoria neighborhood that fits your budget and your comfort with safety, a dependable local team can handle the rest. Mentors Moving & Storage has served the Phoenix metro area since 2020, offering local, long-distance, and specialty moving along with secure storage. Whether you are settling into a Vistancia home in north Peoria or an established neighborhood closer to the city center, our Peoria movers make the move simple. Call today or request your free quote to get started.
