A new report from the Common Sense Institute Arizona has found that that rising crime in Arizona has become a multi-billion-dollar economic crisis.
The report, a collaboration by the Common Sense Institute with the Arizona Chamber Foundation, “The Cost of Crime in Arizona,” uncovers the staggering financial burden of crime on the state and the impact on Arizona residents.
Key Findings:
- Overall Cost: Crime in Arizona cost residents $20.6 billion in 2022, equating to 4% of the state’s GDP. This translates to an average cost of $2,794 per resident or nearly $7,200 per household—roughly 10% of annual household income.
- Violent Crime Impact: Violent crime, which accounted for only 20.2% of all crimes in 2022, represented 87% of the total costs, totaling $17.8 billion.
- Rising Trends: Since 2014, violent crime has increased by 9.9%, with murder rates up nearly 48%. CSI estimates that violent crime alone cost the state $4.1 billion more in 2022 than it would have if pre-2015 trends had continued.
- Regional Disparities: Maricopa County, home to 62% of the state’s population, accounted for 67% of total crimes and 75% of violent crimes in Arizona.
- Policy Implications: Shifts in criminal justice policies, including reduced sentencing and policing measures, have coincided with the recent rise in crime, contributing to Arizona’s economic burden.
“The findings of our report reflect the significant toll crime is imposing on Arizona, costing the state billions of dollars annually,” stated Zachary Milne, Senior Economist and Research Analyst at CSI. “The recent rise in violent crime is not only undermining public safety, but is costing Arizonans gravely. Lawmakers should keep these costs in mind when crafting state policy.”
“With crime costing Arizona over $20 billion annually, this report underscores the urgent need for solutions that prioritize public safety, protect businesses, and support victims,” Danny Seiden, President and CEO of Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We hope this data serves as a wake-up call for policymakers.”
Build more prisons. We are going to need them soon.
Pima County has saved a lot on crime prevention!
Communists/progressives/liberals have destroyed Stop being inclusive of “severything they control for over a century. They pander to the willfully ignorant, that keeps electing them. In other words, blame your neighbor, not the politicians. Stop being inclusive of “stupid”. Just tell them the truth.
Liberalism is a mental disorder. Democrat states and cities are constantly having crime waves yet not told to by which group of people. Time for Republicans to get tough on crime. Enough is enough. Send in the National Guard, bring in major law enforcement. It’s the necessary first step.
Shifts in criminal justice policies, including reduced sentencing and policing measures, have coincided with the recent rise in crime, contributing to Arizona’s economic burden…. what an F’ing surprise –
Maricopa County, home to 62% of the state’s population, accounted for 67% of total crimes and 75% of violent crimes in Arizona…. HOBBS CAN YOU HEAR THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
My small neighborhood has the highest drug and shooting rates in the city… hmmm drugs and shooting – hmmm drugs and shootings! and the ICE CREAM is on lock down at the Walgreens – but they’ve all closed – I don’t go to Cicle K anymore – there’s more unemployed at the corner than I have employees – cus we can’t find employees… related? We pay 5x’s what I started at.. to high to get out of bed or off the cement – their backs are bent from slumping over and out!
The great revival is coming ! Some of you won’t make it… not good news – would you recognize it if you got it? hmmm I do believe in miracles it will take some. 10-4