This is the safest small town in Arizona, study shows. Here’s why it was ranked so high

Maricopa and six other Arizona towns were named among the safest small towns in the U.S., according to a new study.

The study, conducted by Vivint, a home security system brand, used FBI property crime data from 2023 to determine which small towns were the safest. The company analyzed trends for property crime, larceny, motor vehicle theft and robbery for U.S. towns with populations of 50,000-100,000 residents.

Analysts ranked the towns by weighing each variable equally to determine which were the safest. Vivint’s list included 425 towns, shedding light on where safety is prioritized and the factors that make these towns stand out.

Here’s a breakdown of where Arizona towns ranked in the study and why, as well as a round-up of the top towns on the list and some tips from the company to protect your personal property.

Top 10 safest U.S. towns

These 10 small towns ranked as the safest in America, according to Vivint.

Jacksonville, North Carolina

More: Arizona iso ne of the worst states to raise a family. Here’s why

These are Arizona’s safest small towns

Maricopa ranked as Arizona’s safest town and the 25th safest nationwide, according to Vivint. The city has the fewest property crimes with a rate of 77.6 crimes per 10,000 residents. The town also has 61.5 larcenies, 8.6 vehicle thefts and 1.4 robberies per 10,000 residents, according to FBI data.

Prescott Valley seen from the West Trail.

Second to Maricopa, Prescott Valley also stood out in the study as one of the safest towns in the state, surpassing Maricopa for the fewest robberies (0.4) and fewest vehicle thefts (4.8) per 10,000 residents.

On the other side of the scale, Avondale has the state’s highest rate of property crimes per 10k residents at 245.8, according to study data. Even though the city also made it to the list of the safest towns, it has the highest larceny and robbery rates among the seven towns that ranked, with 194.6 larcenies and 8.8 robberies per 10,000 residents.

Here’s a breakdown of how Arizona towns ranked on the list:

How to protect your personal property

Here are some practical tips from Vivint to help safeguard your belongings, whether you live in a safe small town or in more populated areas with a higher crime activity:

Install security cameras and alarms: Security systems act as both a deterrent and a means to gather evidence if a crime occurs. Smart cameras with motion detection and remote monitoring features can provide added peace of mind.
Lock your doors and windows: It may sound simple, but consistently locking all entry points, including car doors, can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity, and an unlocked door is an open invitation.
Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving expensive items like electronics, jewelry, or shopping bags visible through windows in your home or car. Use blinds or curtains to obscure valuables in your home and store items in the trunk of your car when parked.
Light up your property: Motion-activated outdoor lighting can deter criminals by removing the cover of darkness. Well-lit properties are less attractive targets for burglars and thieves.
Get to know your neighbors: A strong community network can help prevent crime. Neighbors who look out for each other are more likely to spot and report suspicious activity, adding an extra layer of protection.