Ferndale, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ferndale, CA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ferndale is 53.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes reported in Ferndale, equivalent to 286 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 22.7%. Additionally, Ferndale recorded 11 property crimes, amounting to 786 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 59.8%.

In the latest reported crime year, Ferndale recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Ferndale stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.

Is Ferndale a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Ferndale is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Ferndale has a total crime rate that is 54% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.04 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Ferndale.

Has Crime in Ferndale Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ferndale. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ferndale has decreased by 31.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 20%, while property crimes have decreased by 35.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ferndale

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Ferndale crime rates. The population density in Ferndale is 1156.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Ferndale has a median home price of $418,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ferndale, the average monthly rent stands at $1,041, while the national average is $949 per month.

Ferndale crime map