| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Downey/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,398 | n/a (estimate) | 3,111 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 10 | n/a | 9.2 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 33 | n/a | 30.2 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 194 | n/a | 177.6 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 266 | n/a | 243.5 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 503 | n/a (estimate) | 461 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 282 | n/a | 258.2 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,616 | n/a | 1,479.5 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 997 | n/a | 912.8 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,895 | n/a (estimate) | 2,650 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Downey is 33.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Downey, there were 503 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 461 per 100,000 individuals, 24.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2895 property crimes, amounting to 2650 per 100,000 residents, 35.6% higher than the U.S. average.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Downey faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 997 vehicle thefts, translating to 913 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Downey in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 110.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Downey residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 46 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Downey 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.
Determining whether Downey 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, Downey has an overall crime rate that is 34% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 9.31 daily occurrences, comprising 1.38 violent crimes and 7.93 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Downey as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Downey 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 Downey has increased by 38.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 67.1% and property crime has increased by 34.5%.
In Downey, the cost of living is 44.53% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In Downey, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.27 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Downey is $582,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Downey | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 144 | 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 |
| San Pasqual, CA | 2,038 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,439 | 0 | 480 | 480 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,619 | 113 | 527 | 640 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,419 | 163 | 762 | 925 |
| East Pasadena, CA | 6,025 | 179 | 838 | 1,017 |
| Bradbury, CA | 825 | 0 | 1,025 | 1,025 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 11,923 | 190 | 893 | 1,083 |
| Downey, CA | 111,263 | 461 | 2,650 | 3,111 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lowell, MA | 111,311 | 402 | 1,747 | 2,149 |
| Pompano Beach, FL | 111,202 | 316 | 1,910 | 2,226 |
| Centennial, CO | 111,331 | 197 | 2,110 | 2,307 |
| Antioch, CA | 111,468 | 614 | 2,211 | 2,825 |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 111,006 | 249 | 1,507 | 1,756 |
| Downey, CA | 111,263 | 461 | 2,650 | 3,111 |
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