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.”
