| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Morro Bay/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 1,897 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 9.3 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 27.8 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 18.5 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 49 | n/a | 453.4 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 55 | n/a (estimate) | 509 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 212.8 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 118 | n/a | 1,091.9 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | n/a | 83.3 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 150 | n/a (estimate) | 1,388 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Morro Bay crime rate is 18.4% lower 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 Morro Bay, there were 55 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 509 per 100,000 individuals, 37.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Morro Bay recorded 150 property crimes, amounting to 1388 per 100,000 residents, 29% lower than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Morro Bay residents. Out of the respondents (18 in total), 56% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Morro Bay were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 44% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Morro Bay 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. Morro Bay has a total crime rate that is 18% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.56 daily crimes (0.15 violent daily crimes and 0.41 daily property crimes) in Morro Bay.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Morro Bay has didn't change by 0%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Morro Bay, 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 19.6%, while property crime has didn't change by 5.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Morro Bay is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Morro Bay crime rates. Morro Bay registers a population density of 1988.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Morro Bay, 88% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In Morro Bay, the median home price stands at $651,400, 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.
| Item | Morro Bay | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Avila Beach, CA | 1,455 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Los Ranchos, CA | 1,675 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Cayucos, CA | 2,228 | 90 | 421 | 511 |
| Santa Margarita, CA | 1,025 | 184 | 863 | 1,047 |
| Cambria, CA | 5,555 | 272 | 1,276 | 1,549 |
| Atascadero, CA | 30,444 | 398 | 1,432 | 1,830 |
| Edna, CA | 408 | 371 | 1,741 | 2,112 |
| Morro Bay, CA | 10,592 | 509 | 1,388 | 1,897 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Blackhawk, CA | 10,590 | 175 | 822 | 998 |
| Greentree, NJ | 10,597 | 172 | 1,200 | 1,372 |
| South Yarmouth, MA | 10,598 | 359 | 1,193 | 1,552 |
| Jackson, WY | 10,585 | 73 | 768 | 842 |
| Martin, TN | 10,585 | 454 | 2,282 | 2,736 |
| Morro Bay, CA | 10,592 | 509 | 1,388 | 1,897 |
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