Huntington Beach, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Huntington Beach, CA

The Huntington Beach crime rates are 7.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 494 violent crimes in Huntington Beach (254 per 100,000 people), which is 31.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 4364 property crimes (2242 per 100,000 residents) which is 14.7% higher than average.

In terms of the total Huntington Beach crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Huntington Beach, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Huntington Beach is very similar to the national average. Huntington Beach had a property crime rate of 2242, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Huntington Beach?

AreaVibes surveyed 60 local residents in Huntington Beach to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 58% of people answered that there was very little crime in Huntington Beach and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 42% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Huntington Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach crime rate is 7% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 13.31 crimes per day - 1.35 violent crimes and 11.96 property crimes.

Has Crime in Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach has increased by 9.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 0.2% and property crime has increased by 11.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Huntington Beach

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Huntington Beach crime rates. For instance, in Huntington Beach, the population density stands at 7400 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Huntington Beach, the cost of living is 72.27% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Huntington Beach stands at $803,400, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Huntington Beach crime map