| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | El Centro/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 695 | n/a (estimate) | 1,596 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 4.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 23.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 32 | n/a | 73.5 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 99 | n/a | 227.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 143 | n/a (estimate) | 328 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 207 | n/a | 475.3 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 271 | n/a | 622.3 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 74 | n/a | 169.9 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 552 | n/a (estimate) | 1,268 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in El Centro is 24.7% lower 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 El Centro, there were 143 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 328 per 100,000 individuals, 8.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 552 property crimes, amounting to 1268 per 100,000 residents, 28% lower than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in El Centro is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. El Centro reported 328 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in El Centro. Based on the results of the surveys (42 responses), 31% of people felt that there was very little crime in El Centro and felt safe walking alone at night. While 69% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in El Centro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. El Centro presents a total crime rate that is 25% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, El Centro experiences an average of 1.9 daily crimes, comprising 0.39 violent incidents and 1.51 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in El Centro. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in El Centro has decreased by 40.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 9.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 45%. 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.
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. El Centro, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In El Centro, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.65 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in El Centro is $374,920, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | El Centro | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 72 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Imperial, CA | 19,303 | 77 | 182 | 259 |
| Holtville, CA | 6,344 | 36 | 379 | 415 |
| Calexico, CA | 41,129 | 147 | 535 | 682 |
| Brawley, CA | 26,691 | 297 | 890 | 1,187 |
| Seeley, CA | 1,911 | 273 | 1,167 | 1,439 |
| Heber, CA | 8,618 | 634 | 2,712 | 3,347 |
| El Centro, CA | 45,037 | 328 | 1,268 | 1,596 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Altamonte Springs, FL | 45,050 | 340 | 2,311 | 2,651 |
| Cutler Bay, FL | 45,068 | 148 | 1,363 | 1,511 |
| Urbandale, IA | 45,000 | 89 | 635 | 724 |
| Concord, NH | 45,076 | 181 | 1,229 | 1,410 |
| Channelview, TX | 45,083 | 479 | 2,513 | 2,992 |
| El Centro, CA | 45,037 | 328 | 1,268 | 1,596 |
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