C+
15%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
41%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
26%
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 peopleSunnyvale/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime3,980n/a (estimate)2,6762,8432,324
Murder0n/a0.05.76.3
Rape45n/a30.337.440.0
Robbery83n/a55.8123.566.1
Assault198n/a133.1332.8268.2
Violent crime326n/a (estimate)219500370
Burglary621n/a417.5371.9269.8
Theft2,633n/a1,770.21,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft400n/a268.9471.9282.7
Property crime3,654n/a (estimate)2,4572,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale is 15.1% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 326 violent crimes reported in Sunnyvale, equivalent to 219 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 40.7%. Additionally, Sunnyvale recorded 3654 property crimes, amounting to 2457 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 25.7%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Sunnyvale residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 35 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 74% of Sunnyvale 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, 26% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Sunnyvale a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Sunnyvale, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sunnyvale presents a total crime rate that is 15% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sunnyvale experiences an average of 10.9 daily crimes, comprising 0.89 violent incidents and 10.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Sunnyvale Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Sunnyvale. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Sunnyvale has increased by 16.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 42.4%, while property crime has increased by 15%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Sunnyvale.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sunnyvale

In Sunnyvale, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Sunnyvale crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Sunnyvale, there are 1.86 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Sunnyvale, the average rental rates are $2,699 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Sunnyvale crime map



The Sunnyvale crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sunnyvale 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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Crime Quick Facts

  • Sunnyvale crime rates are 15% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Sunnyvale are 41% lower than the national average
  • In Sunnyvale you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Sunnyvale is safer than 39% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Sunnyvale has increased by 21%

Sunnyvale, CA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Sunnyvale (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Sunnyvale for every 100,000 residents. The Sunnyvale total amount of daily crime is 1.06 times less than the California average and 1.15 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Sunnyvale, is 2.28 times less than the California average, and it is 1.69 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Sunnyvale has a daily crime average that is 1.05 times more than the California average and 1.26 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Sunnyvale (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Sunnyvale, California compared to other areas of California, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Sunnyvale safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Sunnyvale is safer than 66% of California cities, and 39% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in California, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Sunnyvale. At this time, Sunnyvale sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sunnyvale

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sunnyvale is 1 in 457
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sunnyvale is 1 in 41
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sunnyvale is 1 in 38
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Sunnyvale? In Sunnyvale, CA you have a 1 in 457 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Sunnyvale.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Sunnyvale, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Sunnyvale has increased by 47%, while the property crime rate in Sunnyvale has increased by 19% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Sunnyvale has increased by 21% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Sunnyvale police department

        Item Sunnyvale California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)26751,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.93.63.3
        There are a total of 267 Sunnyvale police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 48.5% less than the California average and 42.8% less than the National average.

        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
        Ladera, CA1,38570329399
        Sunol, CA83570329399
        Loyola, CA3,40495446542
        West Menlo Park, CA3,72095446542
        Cambrian Park, CA3,01595446542
        Emerald Lake Hills, CA4,893130609738
        Portola Valley, CA4,568130609738
        Sunnyvale, CA152,5692192,4572,676

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Pasadena, TX152,5376272,8023,429
        Kansas City, KS153,0146423,0793,721
        Macon-Bibb County, GA153,0265952,7403,334
        Palmdale, CA153,2405571,5502,107
        Springfield, MA153,6778622,3703,232
        Sunnyvale, CA152,5692192,4572,676
        Source: The Sunnyvale, 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.