La Palma, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in La Palma, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in La Palma is 3.4% lower 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 La Palma, there were 37 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 243 per 100,000 individuals, 34.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 305 property crimes, amounting to 2002 per 100,000 residents, 2.4% higher than the U.S. average.

In terms of the total La Palma 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 La Palma, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

In the most recently reported crime year, La Palma registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

La Palma has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2002 property crimes in La Palma, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in La Palma?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of La Palma residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in La Palma were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is La Palma a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is La Palma 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 La Palma crime rate is 3% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.94 crimes per day - 0.1 violent crimes and 0.84 property crimes.

Has Crime in La Palma Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in La Palma. 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 La Palma has increased by 7.2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 48%, while property crime has increased by 3.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in La Palma.

Potential Causes for Crime in La Palma

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower La Palma crime rates. In La Palma, the poverty rate stands at 6.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower La Palma crime rates. The population density in La Palma is 8793.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In La Palma, the cost of living is 63.95% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

La Palma crime map