D-
34%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
25%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
36%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDowney/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime3,398n/a (estimate)3,1112,8432,324
Murder10n/a9.25.76.3
Rape33n/a30.237.440.0
Robbery194n/a177.6123.566.1
Assault266n/a243.5332.8268.2
Violent crime503n/a (estimate)461500370
Burglary282n/a258.2371.9269.8
Theft1,616n/a1,479.51,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft997n/a912.8471.9282.7
Property crime2,895n/a (estimate)2,6502,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Downey, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Downey is 33.9% 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 Downey, there were 503 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 461 per 100,000 individuals, 24.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2895 property crimes, amounting to 2650 per 100,000 residents, 35.6% higher than the U.S. average.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Downey faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 997 vehicle thefts, translating to 913 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Downey 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 110.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Downey?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Downey residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 46 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Downey 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, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Downey a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Downey is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Downey has an overall crime rate that is 34% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 9.31 daily occurrences, comprising 1.38 violent crimes and 7.93 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Downey as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Downey 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 Downey 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 Downey has increased by 38.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 67.1% and property crime has increased by 34.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Downey

In Downey, the cost of living is 44.53% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In Downey, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.27 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Downey is $582,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Downey crime map



The Downey crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Downey as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Downey crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Downey crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Downey, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Downey crime rates are 34% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Downey are 25% higher than the national average
      • In Downey you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Downey is safer than 18% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Downey has increased by 41%

      Downey, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Downey (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Downey on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Downey (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 1.09 times more than the state average and 1.34 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Downey on a daily basis are 1.08 times less than than California average and 1.25 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Downey are 1.13 times more than the daily state average and 1.36 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Downey (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Downey in comparison to other California communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Downey safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Downey being safer than 27% of cities in California and 18% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking California cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Downey. In conclusion, Downey ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Downey

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Downey is 1 in 218
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Downey is 1 in 38
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Downey is 1 in 33
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Downey? In Downey, you have a 1 in 218 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 38. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Downey, CA is 1 in 33.

        Year Over Year Crime In Downey (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Downey is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Downey violent crime rates have increased by 70%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 37% year over year. Total crimes for Downey has increased by 41% in the same time frame.

        Downey police department

        Item Downey California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)14451,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.33.63.3
        There are a total of 144 Downey police officers. This results in 1.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 64.9% less than the California average and 61% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        San Pasqual, CA2,03878368446
        Rolling Hills, CA1,4390480480
        Rose Hills, CA2,619113527640
        Ladera Heights, CA6,419163762925
        East Pasadena, CA6,0251798381,017
        Bradbury, CA82501,0251,025
        Rossmoor, CA11,9231908931,083
        Downey, CA111,2634612,6503,111

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lowell, MA111,3114021,7472,149
        Pompano Beach, FL111,2023161,9102,226
        Centennial, CO111,3311972,1102,307
        Antioch, CA111,4686142,2112,825
        West Palm Beach, FL111,0062491,5071,756
        Downey, CA111,2634612,6503,111
        Source: The Downey, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.