Atwater, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Atwater, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Atwater is 44% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Atwater, there were 271 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 843 per 100,000 individuals, 127.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 805 property crimes, amounting to 2503 per 100,000 residents, 28.1% higher than the U.S. average.

Atwater ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 843 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Atwater stand at 1 in every 119 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Atwater stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Atwater, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 16 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Atwater?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Atwater residents. Out of the respondents (17 in total), 24% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Atwater were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 76% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Atwater a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Atwater a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Atwater crime rate is 44% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.95 crimes per day - 0.74 violent crimes and 2.21 property crimes.

Has Crime in Atwater Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Atwater. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Atwater has increased by 3.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 78.3%, while property crime has increased by 9.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Atwater.

Potential Causes for Crime in Atwater

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Atwater crime rates. In Atwater, the poverty rate stands at 17.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Atwater, the cost of living is 4.72% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Atwater is $251,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Atwater crime map