| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Santa Rosa/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,912 | n/a (estimate) | 1,663 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 1.1 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 118 | n/a | 67.4 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 117 | n/a | 66.8 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 363 | n/a | 207.3 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 600 | n/a (estimate) | 343 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 405 | n/a | 231.2 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,610 | n/a | 919.2 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 297 | n/a | 169.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,312 | n/a (estimate) | 1,320 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
The Santa Rosa crime rates are 21.6% lower 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 600 violent crimes in Santa Rosa (343 per 100,000 people), which is 4.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 2312 property crimes (1320 per 100,000 residents) which is 25% lower than average.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Santa Rosa maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 343 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Santa Rosa shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Santa Rosa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 52 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Santa Rosa residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Santa Rosa 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. Santa Rosa has a total crime rate that is 22% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 7.98 daily crimes (1.64 violent daily crimes and 6.33 daily property crimes) in Santa Rosa.
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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa has decreased by 22.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 34.3% and property crime has decreased by 18.5%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Santa Rosa crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Santa Rosa has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Santa Rosa, the cost of living is 69.36% higher than the national average.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Santa Rosa, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.33, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Santa Rosa | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 228 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Glen Ellen, CA | 1,245 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Penngrove, CA | 2,420 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Temelec, CA | 1,954 | 88 | 375 | 463 |
| El Verano, CA | 3,358 | 101 | 432 | 533 |
| Graton, CA | 1,784 | 103 | 440 | 543 |
| Forestville, CA | 3,882 | 122 | 522 | 645 |
| Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente, CA | 3,650 | 129 | 551 | 680 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 185,280 | 343 | 1,320 | 1,663 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ontario, CA | 185,250 | 272 | 1,817 | 2,090 |
| Providence, RI | 185,554 | 277 | 1,658 | 1,935 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 185,812 | 527 | 2,915 | 3,442 |
| Newport News, VA | 184,134 | 736 | 2,416 | 3,152 |
| Chattanooga, TN | 187,734 | 824 | 3,942 | 4,766 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 185,280 | 343 | 1,320 | 1,663 |
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