Honolulu, HI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Honolulu, HI

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Honolulu is 21.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 2521 violent crimes reported in Honolulu, equivalent to 253 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 31.5%. Additionally, Honolulu recorded 25649 property crimes, amounting to 2578 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 31.9%.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Honolulu has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Honolulu reported 4622 vehicle thefts, which equates to 465 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Honolulu is 1 in 216.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Honolulu?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Honolulu. Based on the results of the surveys (159 responses), 44% of people felt that there was very little crime in Honolulu and felt safe walking alone at night. While 56% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Honolulu a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Honolulu a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Honolulu crime rate is 22% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 77.18 crimes per day - 6.91 violent crimes and 70.27 property crimes.

Has Crime in Honolulu Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Honolulu has decreased by 3.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Honolulu, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 12.9%, while property crime has decreased by 5.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Honolulu is a safe place to live.

Honolulu Neighborhood Crime Rates

There are more than 35 different neighborhoods in the Honolulu area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Honolulu include Kuliouou-Kalani Iki, Waialae-Kahala and Kailua. While Airport, Wahiawa and Waianae have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.

Potential Causes for Crime in Honolulu

In Honolulu, 86.3% 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.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Honolulu stands at $707,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Honolulu has an average rental rate of $1,520 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Honolulu crime map