Costa Mesa, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Costa Mesa, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Costa Mesa crime rate is 78.4% higher 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 Costa Mesa, there were 647 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 589 per 100,000 individuals, 59.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Costa Mesa recorded 3905 property crimes, amounting to 3557 per 100,000 residents, 82% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 4146 per 100,000 residents, Costa Mesa experiences a crime rate that is 78.4% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Costa Mesa contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Costa Mesa reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3557 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 29 chance of falling victim to property crime in Costa Mesa, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Costa Mesa?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Costa Mesa. Based on the results of the surveys (58 responses), 53% of people felt that there was very little crime in Costa Mesa and felt safe walking alone at night. While 47% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Costa Mesa a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Costa Mesa is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Costa Mesa has an overall crime rate that is 78% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 12.47 daily occurrences, comprising 1.77 violent crimes and 10.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Costa Mesa as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Costa Mesa Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Costa Mesa. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Costa Mesa has increased by 11.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 32.6%, while property crimes have increased by 9.1%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Costa Mesa

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. Costa Mesa, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Costa Mesa, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.76 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Costa Mesa, the average rental rates are $1,927 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Costa Mesa crime map