| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ridgecrest/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 552 | n/a (estimate) | 1,951 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 7.1 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 56.6 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 22 | n/a | 77.8 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 122 | n/a | 431.2 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 162 | n/a (estimate) | 573 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 109 | n/a | 385.3 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 218 | n/a | 770.6 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 63 | n/a | 222.7 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 390 | n/a (estimate) | 1,379 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ridgecrest crime rate is 16.1% 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 Ridgecrest, there were 162 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 573 per 100,000 individuals, 54.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Ridgecrest recorded 390 property crimes, amounting to 1379 per 100,000 residents, 29.5% lower than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ridgecrest. Based on the results of the surveys (28 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ridgecrest and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest crime rate is 16% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.51 crimes per day - 0.44 violent crimes and 1.07 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ridgecrest. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ridgecrest has increased by 15.5%. Violent crimes have increased by 2.5%, while property crimes have increased by 21.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Ridgecrest currently has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Ridgecrest, 86.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Ridgecrest, the cost of living is 6.48% 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.
| Item | Ridgecrest | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| China Lake Acres, CA | 2,450 | 274 | 1,285 | 1,559 |
| Inyokern, CA | 645 | 614 | 2,876 | 3,490 |
| Ridgecrest, CA | 28,905 | 573 | 1,379 | 1,951 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Port Huron, MI | 28,918 | 722 | 1,995 | 2,717 |
| New Iberia, LA | 28,965 | 824 | 3,601 | 4,425 |
| Mehlville, MO | 28,824 | 474 | 2,275 | 2,749 |
| Paragould, AR | 28,821 | 1,142 | 3,802 | 4,945 |
| Bella Vista, AR | 28,819 | 220 | 425 | 645 |
| Ridgecrest, CA | 28,905 | 573 | 1,379 | 1,951 |
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