Arcata, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Arcata, 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 Arcata is 47.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 120 violent crimes reported in Arcata, equivalent to 627 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 69.5%. Additionally, Arcata recorded 537 property crimes, amounting to 2805 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 43.5%.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Arcata stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Arcata, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 10 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Arcata ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 128 vehicle thefts, amounting to 669 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Arcata within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 150.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Arcata?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Arcata residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 38 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Arcata residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 79% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Arcata a Safe Place to Live?

Is Arcata a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Arcata has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 48%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.8 daily incidents, encompassing 0.33 violent crimes and 1.47 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Arcata as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Arcata Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Arcata has decreased by 7.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Arcata, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 55.8%, while property crime has decreased by 14.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Arcata is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Arcata

Arcata has a poverty rate of 34.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Arcata, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Arcata, 91% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Arcata crime map