Lompoc, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lompoc, CA

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 Lompoc is 5.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 219 violent crimes reported in Lompoc, equivalent to 505 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 36.6%. Additionally, Lompoc recorded 845 property crimes, amounting to 1949 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 0.3%.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Lompoc per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Lompoc crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Lompoc ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Lompoc, there were a total of 5 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Lompoc maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Lompoc, 1949 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Lompoc ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 288 vehicle thefts, amounting to 664 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Lompoc 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 151.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lompoc?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lompoc residents. Out of the respondents (97 in total), 25% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lompoc were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 75% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lompoc a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Lompoc is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lompoc has an overall crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.92 daily occurrences, comprising 0.6 violent crimes and 2.32 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lompoc as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Lompoc 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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc has decreased by 12.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 8.4% and property crime has decreased by 13.1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lompoc

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 Lompoc crime rates. For instance, in Lompoc, the population density stands at 3678.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Lompoc, 71.4% 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 Lompoc, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.62 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Lompoc crime map