West Covina, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Covina, CA

The West Covina crime rates are 16.7% 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 424 violent crimes in West Covina (405 per 100,000 people), which is 9.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2417 property crimes (2308 per 100,000 residents) which is 18.1% higher than average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, West Covina has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 405 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Covina?

What is the prevailing sentiment among West Covina residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 31 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 68% of West Covina 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, 32% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is West Covina a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in West Covina, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. West Covina presents a total crime rate that is 17% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, West Covina experiences an average of 7.78 daily crimes, comprising 1.16 violent incidents and 6.62 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 West Covina Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in West Covina. 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 West Covina has increased by 17.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 105.8%, while property crime has increased by 9.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in West Covina.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Covina

West Covina has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.37 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 West Covina, the median home price stands at $578,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

West Covina has an average rental rate of $1,745 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

West Covina crime map