Bakersfield, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield is 94.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 2250 violent crimes reported in Bakersfield, equivalent to 546 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 47.7%. Additionally, Bakersfield recorded 16361 property crimes, amounting to 3972 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 103.3%.

In Bakersfield, the crime rate stands at 4519 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 94.42%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Bakersfield that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Bakersfield faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3972 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bakersfield stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

With a total of 4858 vehicle thefts last year, Bakersfield has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1179 per 100,000 people. This lands Bakersfield in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 85.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bakersfield?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bakersfield residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 292 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% of Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield crime rate is 94% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 50.99 crimes per day - 6.16 violent crimes and 44.82 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bakersfield Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Bakersfield has increased by 5.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bakersfield is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 12.1%, while property crime has increased by 4.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Bakersfield, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 40 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Bakersfield are areas such as Hillcrest, The Oaks and Artisan, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Lakeview, East Bakersfield and Rio Bravo are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bakersfield

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Bakersfield crime rates. For instance, in Bakersfield, the population density stands at 2535.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Bakersfield, 76.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Bakersfield, the average rental rates are $1,124 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Bakersfield crime map