D-
7%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
41%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
0%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleArcata/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime434n/a (estimate)2,2712,5642,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape14n/a73.336.637.5
Robbery23n/a120.4119.160.6
Assault60n/a314.0325.8256.1
Violent crime97n/a (estimate)508486359
Burglary37n/a193.6305.8229.2
Theft272n/a1,423.61,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft28n/a146.5427.5258.8
Property crime337n/a (estimate)1,7642,0781,760

Arcata crime map

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The Arcata crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Arcata 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 Arcata crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Arcata 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Arcata, CA

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Arcata crime rate is 7.2% higher 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 Arcata, there were 97 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 508 per 100,000 individuals, 41.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Arcata recorded 337 property crimes, amounting to 1764 per 100,000 residents, 0.2% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Arcata per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Arcata, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

In the latest reported crime year, Arcata recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

In the most recent release, Arcata reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Arcata, there were 1764 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Arcata?

AreaVibes surveyed 40 local residents in Arcata to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Arcata and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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 Arcata a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Arcata 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. Arcata has a total crime rate that is 7% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.19 daily crimes (0.27 violent daily crimes and 0.92 daily property crimes) in Arcata.

Has Crime in Arcata Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Arcata. 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 Arcata has decreased by 38.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 26%, while property crime has decreased by 46.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Arcata.

Potential Causes for Crime in Arcata

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Arcata, 91% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In Arcata, the cost of living is 31.77% 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.

In Arcata, the median home price stands at $640,633, diverging from the national average of $326,622. 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.

Compare Arcata, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Arcata crime rates are 7% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Arcata are 41% higher than the national average
      • In Arcata you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Arcata is safer than 16% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Arcata has decreased by 10%

      Arcata, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Arcata

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        Daily Crime In Arcata (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Arcata, CA per 100,000 people. In Arcata, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.13 times less than the California average and 1.07 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Arcata is 1.04 times more than the California average and 1.41 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Arcata has a daily crime rate that is 1.18 times less than the California average and 1.00 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Arcata (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in California and all other cities across the US, is Arcata safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Arcata is safer than 27% of other cities in the state of California. In addition, Arcata is safer than 16% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all California and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Arcata. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Arcata is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Arcata

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Arcata is 1 in 197
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Arcata is 1 in 57
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Arcata is 1 in 45
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Arcata? In Arcata, CA you have a 1 in 197 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 57 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Arcata.

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

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Arcata, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Arcata has decreased by 15%, while the property crime rate in Arcata has decreased by 9% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Arcata has decreased by 10% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Arcata police department

        Item Arcata California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3651,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.13.63.3
        There are a total of 36 Arcata police officers. This results in 2.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 42.7% less than the California average and 36.4% 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
        Westhaven-Moonstone, CA1,340172736908
        Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), CA1,799189807996
        Trinidad, CA3592048721,076
        Bayview, CA2,8762279731,200
        Cutten, CA3,4442299791,208
        Humboldt Hill, CA3,5292461,0531,299
        Pine Hills, CA3,6412681,1471,415
        Arcata, CA18,7995081,7642,271

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bensenville, IL18,7971261,1641,290
        Newburyport, MA18,78847395442
        Cameron Park, CA18,8224001,7112,111
        Manchester, MO18,771451,3011,345
        Round Lake, IL18,83382600681
        Arcata, CA18,7995081,7642,271
        Source: The Arcata, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.