Fountain Valley, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fountain Valley, CA

The Fountain Valley crime rates are 2.5% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 85 violent crimes in Fountain Valley (152 per 100,000 people), which is 58.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1247 property crimes (2229 per 100,000 residents) which is 14.1% higher than average.

In terms of the total Fountain Valley crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Fountain Valley, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

In the latest reported crime year, Fountain Valley recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Fountain Valley maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Fountain Valley, 2229 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fountain Valley?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Fountain Valley residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 92% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Fountain Valley were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 8% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Fountain Valley a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Fountain Valley 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 Fountain Valley crime rate is 2% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.65 crimes per day - 0.23 violent crimes and 3.42 property crimes.

Has Crime in Fountain Valley Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Fountain Valley. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Fountain Valley has decreased by 5.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 26.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 6.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fountain Valley

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Fountain Valley crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Fountain Valley has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Fountain Valley, the cost of living is 69.38% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Fountain Valley, the average monthly rent stands at $2,100, while the national average is $949 per month.

Fountain Valley crime map