East Palo Alto, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in East Palo Alto, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in East Palo Alto is 27.1% higher 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 East Palo Alto, there were 178 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 640 per 100,000 individuals, 73.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 643 property crimes, amounting to 2313 per 100,000 residents, 18.4% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. East Palo Alto stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In East Palo Alto, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 18 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and East Palo Alto faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 162 vehicle thefts, translating to 583 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places East Palo Alto in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 172.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in East Palo Alto?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in East Palo Alto. Based on the results of the surveys (19 responses), 26% of people felt that there was very little crime in East Palo Alto and felt safe walking alone at night. While 74% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is East Palo Alto a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether East Palo Alto 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, East Palo Alto has an overall crime rate that is 27% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.25 daily occurrences, comprising 0.49 violent crimes and 1.76 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of East Palo Alto as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in East Palo Alto Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in East Palo Alto has increased by 0.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not East Palo Alto 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 21.9%, while property crime has increased by 3.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in East Palo Alto.

Potential Causes for Crime in East Palo Alto

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 East Palo Alto crime rates. In East Palo Alto, the poverty rate stands at 11.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In East Palo Alto, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.43 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.

In East Palo Alto, the average rental rates are $1,765 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

East Palo Alto crime map