Fresno, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fresno, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Fresno is 85.6% 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 Fresno, there were 4732 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 865 per 100,000 individuals, 134% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 18862 property crimes, amounting to 3449 per 100,000 residents, 76.5% higher than the U.S. average.

With a total of 4314 crimes per 100,000 people, the Fresno crime rates stand at 85.63 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Fresno, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Fresno ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 865 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Fresno stand at 1 in every 116 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Fresno stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Fresno, a total of 61 murders were reported, equating to 11 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.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Fresno ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 3134 vehicle thefts, amounting to 573 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Fresno within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 175.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fresno?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Fresno residents. Out of the respondents (223 in total), 19% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Fresno were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 81% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Fresno a Safe Place to Live?

Is Fresno a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Fresno has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 86%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 64.64 daily incidents, encompassing 12.96 violent crimes and 51.68 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Fresno as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Fresno Increased Since Last Year?

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 17.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 32.9% and property crime has increased by 14.5%.

Fresno Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Fresno area comprises a diverse array of over 12 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: South Growth Area, Woodward Park and North Growth Area which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Central, Edison and Fresno-High exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Fresno neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fresno

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. Fresno, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Fresno, 72.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Fresno, there are 1.85 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Fresno crime map