| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Novato/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 976 | n/a (estimate) | 1,862 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 22.9 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 26.7 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 98 | n/a | 187.0 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 126 | n/a (estimate) | 240 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 98 | n/a | 187.0 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 556 | n/a | 1,060.8 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 196 | n/a | 374.0 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 850 | n/a (estimate) | 1,622 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
The Novato crime rates are 19.9% lower 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 126 violent crimes in Novato (240 per 100,000 people), which is 35% lower than the national average and there were a total of 850 property crimes (1622 per 100,000 residents) which is 17% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Novato residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 25 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 92% of Novato 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, 8% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Novato a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Novato crime rate is 20% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.67 crimes per day - 0.35 violent crimes and 2.33 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Novato has decreased by 10.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Novato 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 47.1%, while property crime has decreased by 0.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Novato.
Novato has a population density of 1957.5 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Novato crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Novato, the cost of living is 77.97% higher than the national average.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Novato, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.36 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Novato | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 72 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| Woodacre, CA | 1,464 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Black Point-Green Point, CA | 1,738 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Bolinas, CA | 1,223 | 70 | 329 | 399 |
| Temelec, CA | 1,915 | 75 | 349 | 424 |
| Sleepy Hollow, CA | 2,366 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Penngrove, CA | 2,368 | 78 | 368 | 446 |
| Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, CA | 1,874 | 91 | 428 | 520 |
| Novato, CA | 53,781 | 240 | 1,622 | 1,862 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Minnetonka, MN | 53,760 | 90 | 1,736 | 1,826 |
| Leesburg, VA | 53,731 | 300 | 1,411 | 1,711 |
| Apple Valley, MN | 53,728 | 243 | 1,636 | 1,879 |
| Aloha, OR | 53,724 | 419 | 3,600 | 4,019 |
| Elyria, OH | 53,844 | 198 | 1,904 | 2,102 |
| Novato, CA | 53,781 | 240 | 1,622 | 1,862 |
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