| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watsonville/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 3,356 (estimate) | 2,834 | 2,281 |
| Murder | n/a | n/a | n/a | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | n/a | n/a | n/a | 36.4 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | n/a | n/a | n/a | 128.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | n/a | n/a | n/a | 338.6 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | n/a | n/a (estimate) | 602 (estimate) | 508 | 364 |
| Burglary | n/a | n/a | n/a | 347.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1,466.0 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | n/a | n/a | n/a | 512.2 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | n/a | n/a (estimate) | 2,754 (estimate) | 2,326 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Watsonville crime rate is 5.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Watsonville, there were 302 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 586 per 100,000 individuals, 58.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Watsonville recorded 959 property crimes, amounting to 1862 per 100,000 residents, 4.8% lower than the U.S. average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Watsonville per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Watsonville crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In the most recent release, Watsonville reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Watsonville, there were 1862 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Watsonville is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Watsonville reported a total of 211 vehicle thefts, resulting in 410 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 245, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Watsonville? Well, based on a recent survey of 21 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 38% of Watsonville residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 62% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Watsonville 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, Watsonville has an overall crime rate that is 5% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.45 daily occurrences, comprising 0.83 violent crimes and 2.63 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Watsonville as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Watsonville. 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 Watsonville has decreased by 11.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 1%, while property crime has decreased by 15.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watsonville.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Watsonville crime rates. The population density in Watsonville is 7720.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Watsonville, the cost of living is 31.23% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Watsonville, the average rental rates are $1,502 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| Item | Watsonville | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 81 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Pasatiempo, CA | 1,226 | 71 | 326 | 398 |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, CA | 1,397 | 71 | 326 | 398 |
| Aromas, CA | 2,609 | 80 | 365 | 445 |
| Corralitos, CA | 2,260 | 80 | 365 | 445 |
| La Selva Beach, CA | 2,544 | 80 | 365 | 445 |
| Day Valley, CA | 3,414 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Seacliff, CA | 3,580 | 97 | 443 | 540 |
| Watsonville, CA | 52,398 | 602 | 2,754 | 3,356 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Stratford, CT | 52,300 | 116 | 1,930 | 2,046 |
| Olympia, WA | 52,290 | 573 | 3,817 | 4,390 |
| Edina, MN | 52,215 | 81 | 1,799 | 1,880 |
| Queen Creek, AZ | 52,162 | 121 | 849 | 969 |
| Elkhart, IN | 52,657 | 1,177 | 3,102 | 4,279 |
| Watsonville, CA | 52,398 | 602 | 2,754 | 3,356 |
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