| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Bernardino/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 8,511 | n/a (estimate) | 3,795 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 25 | n/a | 11.1 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 112 | n/a | 49.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 541 | n/a | 241.2 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,334 | n/a | 594.8 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,012 | n/a (estimate) | 897 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1,021 | n/a | 455.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,762 | n/a | 1,677.3 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,716 | n/a | 765.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 6,499 | n/a (estimate) | 2,898 | 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 San Bernardino crime rate is higher than the national average by 79.1%. Specifically, there were 2012 violent crimes in San Bernardino, equivalent to 897 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 149.8%. Furthermore, San Bernardino recorded 6499 property crimes, amounting to 2898 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 64.6%.
With a violent crime rate of 897 crimes per 100,000 residents, San Bernardino is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, San Bernardino ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 112 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. San Bernardino is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 25 murders in San Bernardino, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in San Bernardino being a very dangerous place to live.
With a total of 1716 vehicle thefts last year, San Bernardino has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 765 per 100,000 people. This lands San Bernardino in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 131.
What do the local residents think about crime in San Bernardino? Well, based on a recent survey of 202 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 17% of San Bernardino residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 83% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether San Bernardino 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, San Bernardino has an overall crime rate that is 79% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 23.32 daily occurrences, comprising 5.51 violent crimes and 17.81 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of San Bernardino as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in San Bernardino has decreased by 6.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of San Bernardino, 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 decreased by 33.7%, while property crime has decreased by 7.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not San Bernardino is a safe place to live.
The San Bernardino area comprises a diverse array of over 49 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Ridgeline, Nena and Muscoy which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Carousel, East Valley and Feldheym exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different San Bernardino neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
In San Bernardino, the cost of living is 23.63% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
The median home price in San Bernardino is $478,027, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
In San Bernardino, the average rental rates are $1,644 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
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 | San Bernardino | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 428 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Yucaipa, CA | 56,126 | 350 | 824 | 1,174 |
| Fontana, CA | 220,412 | 270 | 1,216 | 1,487 |
| Calimesa, CA | 9,446 | 113 | 1,739 | 1,852 |
| Highland, CA | 56,606 | 535 | 1,323 | 1,857 |
| Loma Linda, CA | 25,144 | 341 | 1,537 | 1,878 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | 215,612 | 272 | 1,666 | 1,938 |
| Grand Terrace, CA | 12,885 | 264 | 1,725 | 1,989 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 221,910 | 897 | 2,898 | 3,795 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 703 | 3,126 | 3,829 |
| Enterprise, NV | 221,693 | 261 | 1,428 | 1,689 |
| Modesto, CA | 222,619 | 656 | 2,415 | 3,070 |
| Tacoma, WA | 223,137 | 1,063 | 5,604 | 6,667 |
| Fontana, CA | 220,412 | 270 | 1,216 | 1,487 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 221,910 | 897 | 2,898 | 3,795 |
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