| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Montclair/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,809 | n/a (estimate) | 4,735 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 7.9 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 23.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 61 | n/a | 159.7 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 166 | n/a | 434.5 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 239 | n/a (estimate) | 626 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 306 | n/a | 801.0 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 879 | n/a | 2,300.9 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 385 | n/a | 1,007.8 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,570 | n/a (estimate) | 4,110 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Montclair crime rate is 103.7% 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 Montclair, there were 239 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 626 per 100,000 individuals, 69.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Montclair recorded 1570 property crimes, amounting to 4110 per 100,000 residents, 110.3% higher than the U.S. average.
In Montclair, the crime rate stands at 4735 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 103.74%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Montclair that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
Montclair reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4110 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 25 chance of falling victim to property crime in Montclair, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Montclair is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Montclair reported a total of 385 vehicle thefts, resulting in 1008 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 100, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Montclair? Well, based on a recent survey of 30 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 37% of Montclair residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 63% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Montclair a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Montclair has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 104%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.65 violent crimes and 4.3 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Montclair as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Montclair has increased by 6.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Montclair is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 5.2%, while property crime has increased by 8.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Montclair.
In Montclair, the cost of living is 24.33% 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.
Montclair has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.78 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 Montclair is $388,100, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Montclair | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 67 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 Antonio Heights, CA | 3,113 | 95 | 446 | 542 |
| Yorba Linda, CA | 68,103 | 53 | 996 | 1,050 |
| La Habra Heights, CA | 5,318 | 55 | 1,049 | 1,104 |
| Lytle Creek, CA | 656 | 224 | 1,052 | 1,276 |
| La Puente, CA | 39,780 | 317 | 1,182 | 1,499 |
| Coronita, CA | 3,968 | 270 | 1,267 | 1,538 |
| Fontana, CA | 212,704 | 287 | 1,287 | 1,574 |
| Montclair, CA | 40,041 | 626 | 4,110 | 4,735 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hagerstown, MD | 40,027 | 712 | 2,053 | 2,765 |
| Spanish Fork, UT | 40,069 | 89 | 1,002 | 1,091 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 40,000 | 212 | 997 | 1,209 |
| Hollister, CA | 40,100 | 306 | 765 | 1,071 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 40,100 | 601 | 2,456 | 3,057 |
| Montclair, CA | 40,041 | 626 | 4,110 | 4,735 |
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