F
17%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
88%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
39%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleRidgecrest/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime492n/a (estimate)1,7502,5642,119
Murder1n/a3.64.55.0
Rape18n/a64.036.637.5
Robbery18n/a64.0119.160.6
Assault153n/a544.3325.8256.1
Violent crime190n/a (estimate)676486359
Burglary45n/a160.1305.8229.2
Theft205n/a729.31,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft52n/a185.0427.5258.8
Property crime302n/a (estimate)1,0742,0781,760

Ridgecrest crime map

Get this widget

The Ridgecrest crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Ridgecrest as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Ridgecrest crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Ridgecrest crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest is 17.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 190 violent crimes reported in Ridgecrest, equivalent to 676 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 88.2%. Additionally, Ridgecrest recorded 302 property crimes, amounting to 1074 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 39%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ridgecrest?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ridgecrest residents. Out of the respondents (29 in total), 55% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ridgecrest were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 45% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ridgecrest a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Ridgecrest 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, Ridgecrest has an overall crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.35 daily occurrences, comprising 0.52 violent crimes and 0.83 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Ridgecrest as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Ridgecrest Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Ridgecrest has increased by 2.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Ridgecrest is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 20.3%, while property crime has increased by 5.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Ridgecrest.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ridgecrest

In Ridgecrest, the poverty rate currently stands at 11.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Ridgecrest crime rates.

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 Ridgecrest crime rates. For instance, in Ridgecrest, the population density stands at 1427.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Ridgecrest stands at $337,212, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

Compare Ridgecrest, CA Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      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.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Ridgecrest crime rates are 17% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Ridgecrest are 88% higher than the national average
      • In Ridgecrest you have a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Ridgecrest is safer than 13% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Ridgecrest has increased by 14%

      Ridgecrest, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Ridgecrest

        See all the best places to live around Ridgecrest
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Ridgecrest?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Ridgecrest?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Ridgecrest poll results

        Daily Crime In Ridgecrest (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Ridgecrest for every 100,000 residents. The Ridgecrest total amount of daily crime is 1.47 times less than the California average and 1.21 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Ridgecrest, is 1.39 times more than the California average, and it is 1.88 times more than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Ridgecrest has a daily crime average that is 1.93 times less than the California average and 1.64 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Ridgecrest (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in California and all other cities across the US, is Ridgecrest safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Ridgecrest is safer than 22% of other cities in the state of California. In addition, Ridgecrest is safer than 13% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all California and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Ridgecrest. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Ridgecrest is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Ridgecrest

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ridgecrest is 1 in 148
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ridgecrest is 1 in 94
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Ridgecrest is 1 in 58
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Ridgecrest? In Ridgecrest, CA you have a 1 in 148 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 94 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Ridgecrest.

        Year Over Year Crime In Ridgecrest (per 100,000 people)

        Determining whether Ridgecrest is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Ridgecrest violent crime rates have increased by 22%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 10% year over year. Total crimes for Ridgecrest has increased by 14% in the same time frame.

        Ridgecrest police department

        Item Ridgecrest California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4651,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.63.63.3
        There are a total of 46 Ridgecrest police officers. This results in 1.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 55% less than the California average and 50% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        China Lake Acres, CA2,5062259631,188
        Ridgecrest, CA29,8006761,0741,750

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Port Huron, MI29,8036031,5032,106
        Port Chester, NY29,7962841,2861,570
        Fuquay-Varina, NC29,77370580649
        Paragould, AR29,7739152,8983,813
        Fredericksburg, VA29,8496043,0713,674
        Ridgecrest, CA29,8006761,0741,750
        Source: The Ridgecrest, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.