| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fresno/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 21,906 | n/a (estimate) | 4,007 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 32 | n/a | 5.9 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 244 | n/a | 44.6 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 918 | n/a | 167.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2,827 | n/a | 517.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4,021 | n/a (estimate) | 735 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2,166 | n/a | 396.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 12,050 | n/a | 2,204.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3,669 | n/a | 671.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 17,885 | n/a (estimate) | 3,271 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Fresno crime rate is higher than the national average by 89.1%. Specifically, there were 4021 violent crimes in Fresno, equivalent to 735 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 104.8%. Furthermore, Fresno recorded 17885 property crimes, amounting to 3271 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 85.9%.
With a crime rate of 4007 per 100,000 residents, Fresno has a crime rate that is 89.07% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Fresno that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Fresno has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 735 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Fresno falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 136 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
With a total of 3669 vehicle thefts last year, Fresno has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 671 per 100,000 people. This lands Fresno in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 150.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Fresno residents. Out of the respondents (231 in total), 20% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Fresno were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 80% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Fresno 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. Fresno has a total crime rate that is 89% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 60.02 daily crimes (11.02 violent daily crimes and 49 daily property crimes) in Fresno.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Fresno crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Fresno has increased by 9.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 13% and property crime has increased by 8.6%.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Fresno, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 12 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Fresno are areas such as South Growth Area, Woodward Park and North Growth Area, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Central, Edison and Fresno-High are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Fresno has a population density of 4782.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Fresno crime rates.
In Fresno, 72.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Fresno has a median home price of $454,265, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
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 | Fresno | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 934 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| West Park, CA | 1,048 | 245 | 1,048 | 1,293 |
| Easton, CA | 2,294 | 250 | 1,068 | 1,318 |
| Malaga, CA | 1,202 | 261 | 1,116 | 1,377 |
| Del Rey, CA | 1,276 | 268 | 1,147 | 1,416 |
| Biola, CA | 1,469 | 273 | 1,167 | 1,439 |
| Caruthers, CA | 2,330 | 286 | 1,222 | 1,507 |
| Parksdale, CA | 2,830 | 287 | 1,226 | 1,513 |
| Fresno, CA | 543,090 | 735 | 3,271 | 4,007 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tucson, AZ | 564,632 | 589 | 3,313 | 3,902 |
| Mesa, AZ | 521,218 | 483 | 1,465 | 1,947 |
| Sacramento, CA | 520,516 | 755 | 2,547 | 3,302 |
| Atlanta, GA | 514,426 | 176 | 905 | 1,081 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 579,406 | 1,182 | 4,629 | 5,811 |
| Fresno, CA | 543,090 | 735 | 3,271 | 4,007 |
Here are the best places to live in California
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in California
These are the largest cities in California