Menlo Park, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Menlo Park, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Menlo Park crime rate is 11.6% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Menlo Park, there were 90 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 287 per 100,000 individuals, 22.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, Menlo Park recorded 554 property crimes, amounting to 1768 per 100,000 residents, 9.5% lower than the U.S. average.

The Menlo Park crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Menlo Park, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

In the most recently reported crime year, Menlo Park 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.

Menlo Park exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1768 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Menlo Park maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Menlo Park?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Menlo Park. Based on the results of the surveys (20 responses), 75% of people felt that there was very little crime in Menlo Park and felt safe walking alone at night. While 25% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Menlo Park a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Menlo Park, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Menlo Park presents a total crime rate that is 12% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Menlo Park experiences an average of 1.76 daily crimes, comprising 0.25 violent incidents and 1.52 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 Menlo Park Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Menlo Park has decreased by 22.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Menlo Park is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 73.1%, while property crime has decreased by 29.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Menlo Park.

Potential Causes for Crime in Menlo Park

Menlo Park has a poverty rate of 5.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Menlo Park, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Menlo Park, the cost of living is 185.76% 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.

Menlo Park crime map