C
29%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
5%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
36%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleChula Vista/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime4,130n/a (estimate)1,5082,5642,119
Murder3n/a1.14.55.0
Rape53n/a19.436.637.5
Robbery225n/a82.2119.160.6
Assault748n/a273.1325.8256.1
Violent crime1,029n/a (estimate)376486359
Burglary368n/a134.4305.8229.2
Theft1,825n/a666.41,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft908n/a331.6427.5258.8
Property crime3,101n/a (estimate)1,1322,0781,760

Chula Vista crime map

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The Chula Vista crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Chula Vista as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Chula Vista crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Chula Vista crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Chula Vista, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Chula Vista crime rate is 28.8% 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 Chula Vista, there were 1029 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 376 per 100,000 individuals, 4.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Chula Vista recorded 3101 property crimes, amounting to 1132 per 100,000 residents, 35.7% lower than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Chula Vista has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 376 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. 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 Chula Vista?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Chula Vista residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 37 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Chula Vista 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, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Chula Vista a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Chula Vista is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Chula Vista has a total crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 11.32 daily crimes (2.82 violent daily crimes and 8.5 daily property crimes) in Chula Vista.

Has Crime in Chula Vista Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Chula Vista. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Chula Vista has decreased by 1.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 18.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 7%. 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.

Chula Vista Neighborhood Crime Rates

Chula Vista is a large urban city with at least 17 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Chula Vista include: Eastlake Trails, Bonita Long Canyon and Rolling Hills Ranch. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Village Center, Northwest and Southwest.

Potential Causes for Crime in Chula Vista

In Chula Vista, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Chula Vista crime rates.

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 Chula Vista crime rates. The population density in Chula Vista is 5532.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Chula Vista, the average rental rates are $2,637 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. 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.

Compare Chula Vista, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Chula Vista crime rates are 29% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Chula Vista are 5% higher than the national average
      • In Chula Vista you have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Chula Vista is safer than 29% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Chula Vista has decreased by 7%

      Chula Vista, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Chula Vista

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        Daily Crime In Chula Vista (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Chula Vista for every 100,000 residents. The Chula Vista total amount of daily crime is 1.70 times less than the California average and 1.41 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Chula Vista, is 1.29 times less than the California average, and it is 1.05 times more than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Chula Vista has a daily crime average that is 1.84 times less than the California average and 1.55 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Chula Vista (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Chula Vista in comparison to other California communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Chula Vista safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Chula Vista being safer than 51% of cities in California and 29% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking California cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Chula Vista. In conclusion, Chula Vista ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Chula Vista

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Chula Vista is 1 in 267
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Chula Vista is 1 in 89
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Chula Vista is 1 in 67
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Chula Vista? In Chula Vista, CA you have a 1 in 267 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Chula Vista.

        Year Over Year Crime In Chula Vista (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Chula Vista, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Chula Vista has increased by 9%, while the property crime rate in Chula Vista has decreased by 11% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Chula Vista has decreased by 7% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Chula Vista police department

        Item Chula Vista California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)29951,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.23.63.3
        There are a total of 299 Chula Vista police officers. This results in 1.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 66.9% less than the California average and 63.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Granite Hills, CA4,167132565697
        Crest, CA2,792148633781
        Santee, CA59,609254571826
        Jamul, CA5,960158676834
        Bonita, CA12,952185792977
        Harbison Canyon, CA4,5232219471,168
        Imperial Beach, CA27,9565396381,176
        Chula Vista, CA274,6133761,1321,508

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fort Wayne, IN274,1883072,2242,531
        St. Petersburg, FL271,7876202,4593,079
        Irvine, CA280,132841,3901,474
        Laredo, TX268,5543661,4651,831
        Jersey City, NJ268,5465622,0292,591
        Chula Vista, CA274,6133761,1321,508
        Source: The Chula Vista, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.