Barstow, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Barstow, 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 Barstow is 46.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 277 violent crimes reported in Barstow, equivalent to 1088 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 194.2%. Additionally, Barstow recorded 589 property crimes, amounting to 2313 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 18.4%.

Barstow ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1088 per 100,000 people, Barstow is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 92 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Barstow, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Barstow stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Barstow, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 24 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Barstow faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 182 vehicle thefts, translating to 715 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Barstow in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 140.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Barstow?

What do the local residents think about crime in Barstow? Well, based on a recent survey of 67 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 21% of Barstow residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 79% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Barstow a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Barstow, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Barstow presents a total crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Barstow experiences an average of 2.37 daily crimes, comprising 0.76 violent incidents and 1.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Barstow Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Barstow crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Barstow has decreased by 28% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 0.7% and property crime has decreased by 36.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Barstow

Barstow has a population density of 570.2 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Barstow crime rates.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Barstow, the cost of living is 1.04% lower than the national average.

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. Barstow has a median home price of $130,100, 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.

Barstow crime map