Visalia, CA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Visalia, CA

The Visalia crime rates are 23.5% higher 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 716 violent crimes in Visalia (497 per 100,000 people), which is 34.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3421 property crimes (2373 per 100,000 residents) which is 21.4% higher than average.

With a total of 610 vehicle thefts last year, Visalia has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 423 per 100,000 people. This lands Visalia in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 237.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Visalia?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Visalia residents. Out of the respondents (41 in total), 39% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Visalia were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 61% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Visalia a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Visalia 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. Visalia has a total crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 11.33 daily crimes (1.96 violent daily crimes and 9.37 daily property crimes) in Visalia.

Has Crime in Visalia Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Visalia has increased by 13.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Visalia, 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 increased by 29%, while property crime has increased by 11.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Visalia is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Visalia

Visalia has a poverty rate that stands at 14.6, 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 Visalia 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.

In Visalia, the median home price stands at $254,600, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Visalia has an average rental rate of $1,085 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Visalia crime map