Hercules, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hercules, CA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Hercules crime rate is lower than the national average by 58.1%. Specifically, there were 37 violent crimes in Hercules, equivalent to 141 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 61.8%. Furthermore, Hercules recorded 218 property crimes, amounting to 833 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 57.4%.

Hercules showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hercules?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hercules residents. Out of the respondents (12 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hercules were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Hercules a Safe Place to Live?

Is Hercules a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Hercules has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 58%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.7 daily incidents, encompassing 0.1 violent crimes and 0.6 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Hercules as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Hercules Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hercules. 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 Hercules has decreased by 4.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 23.3%, while property crime has decreased by 8.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hercules.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hercules

Hercules has a poverty rate that stands at 5.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Hercules crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Hercules has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0.89 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

In Hercules, the average rental rates are $2,592 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.

Hercules crime map