A
51%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
53%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
51%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peoplePoway/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime542n/a (estimate)1,1292,8432,324
Murder0n/a0.05.76.3
Rape3n/a6.237.440.0
Robbery18n/a37.5123.566.1
Assault62n/a129.1332.8268.2
Violent crime83n/a (estimate)173500370
Burglary73n/a152.0371.9269.8
Theft343n/a714.41,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft43n/a89.6471.9282.7
Property crime459n/a (estimate)9562,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Poway, CA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Poway is 51.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 83 violent crimes reported in Poway, equivalent to 173 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 53.3%. Additionally, Poway recorded 459 property crimes, amounting to 956 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 51.1%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Poway registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Poway?

AreaVibes surveyed 7 local residents in Poway to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 86% of people answered that there was very little crime in Poway and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 14% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Poway a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Poway 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 Poway crime rate is 51% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.48 crimes per day - 0.23 violent crimes and 1.26 property crimes.

Has Crime in Poway Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Poway has increased by 29.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Poway 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 increased by 56.6%, while property crime has increased by 25.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Poway.

Potential Causes for Crime in Poway

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Poway crime rates. For instance, in Poway, the population density stands at 1273.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 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 Poway, the cost of living is 59.93% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Poway is $716,300, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Poway crime map



The Poway crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Poway as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Poway crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Poway crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Poway, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Poway crime rates are 51% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Poway are 53% lower than the national average
      • In Poway you have a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Poway is safer than 61% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Poway has increased by 33%

      Poway, CA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Poway (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Poway on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Poway (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 2.52 times less than the state average and 2.06 times less than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Poway on a daily basis are 2.89 times less than than California average and 2.14 times less than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Poway are 2.45 times less than the daily state average and 2.04 times less than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Poway (higher is better)

        How safe is Poway, California compared to other cities in California and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Poway is safer than 87% of the cities in California and 61% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in California and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Poway. Overall, Poway is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Poway

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Poway is 1 in 579
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Poway is 1 in 105
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Poway is 1 in 89
        Are you curious to know the likelihood of suffering from a crime in Poway? If you reside in Poway, the likelihood that you will become a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 579. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. There is a 1 in 105 change that you will become a victim of a property crime. These sorts of crimes against personal property include: burglary, theft, and auto theft. In total, the likelihood of being victimized by a crime in Poway, is 1 in 89.

        Year Over Year Crime In Poway (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Poway, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Poway has increased by 62%, while the property crime rate in Poway has increased by 29% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Poway has increased by 33% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Poway police department

        Item Poway California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a51,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.63.3

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Fairbanks Ranch, CA2,92978368446
        Rancho Santa Fe, CA2,65778368446
        Granite Hills, CA4,020111518629
        Crest, CA2,7212039521,155
        Santee, CA57,4072599001,159
        San Marcos, CA96,2192171,0611,278
        Lake San Marcos, CA3,9572731,2801,553
        Poway, CA49,7801739561,129

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kannapolis, NC49,7881962,0462,242
        Little Elm, TX49,792161477638
        Twin Falls, ID49,8194451,4511,896
        North Bethesda, MD49,719172706878
        Mishawaka, IN49,6752822,8673,150
        Poway, CA49,7801739561,129
        Source: The Poway, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.