| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Modesto/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 6,724 | n/a (estimate) | 3,070 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 123 | n/a | 56.2 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 248 | n/a | 113.2 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,058 | n/a | 483.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,436 | n/a (estimate) | 656 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 585 | n/a | 267.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,983 | n/a | 1,818.8 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 720 | n/a | 328.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5,288 | n/a (estimate) | 2,415 | 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 Modesto crime rate is higher than the national average by 44.9%. Specifically, there were 1436 violent crimes in Modesto, equivalent to 656 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 82.6%. Furthermore, Modesto recorded 5288 property crimes, amounting to 2415 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 37.2%.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Modesto. Based on the results of the surveys (183 responses), 28% of people felt that there was very little crime in Modesto and felt safe walking alone at night. While 72% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Modesto 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. Modesto has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 18.42 daily crimes (3.93 violent daily crimes and 14.49 daily property crimes) in Modesto.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Modesto. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Modesto has decreased by 3.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 10.4%, while property crime has decreased by 1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Modesto.
Modesto has a poverty rate that stands at 12.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Modesto crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Modesto, 77.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Modesto, the cost of living is 26.54% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
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 | Modesto | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 291 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Del Rio, CA | 1,266 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| East Oakdale, CA | 2,465 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Hughson, CA | 7,730 | 168 | 413 | 581 |
| Ripon, CA | 16,534 | 168 | 866 | 1,034 |
| Waterford, CA | 9,228 | 181 | 884 | 1,065 |
| Grayson, CA | 1,619 | 221 | 946 | 1,167 |
| Patterson, CA | 22,827 | 275 | 957 | 1,232 |
| Modesto, CA | 222,619 | 656 | 2,415 | 3,070 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tacoma, WA | 223,137 | 1,063 | 5,604 | 6,667 |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 703 | 3,126 | 3,829 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 221,910 | 897 | 2,898 | 3,795 |
| Enterprise, NV | 221,693 | 261 | 1,428 | 1,689 |
| Spokane, WA | 223,638 | 675 | 4,841 | 5,516 |
| Modesto, CA | 222,619 | 656 | 2,415 | 3,070 |
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