| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Arcata/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 434 | n/a (estimate) | 2,271 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 73.3 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 23 | n/a | 120.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 60 | n/a | 314.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 97 | n/a (estimate) | 508 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 193.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 272 | n/a | 1,423.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 146.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 337 | n/a (estimate) | 1,764 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Arcata | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 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 |
| Westhaven-Moonstone, CA | 1,340 | 172 | 736 | 908 |
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), CA | 1,799 | 189 | 807 | 996 |
| Trinidad, CA | 359 | 204 | 872 | 1,076 |
| Bayview, CA | 2,876 | 227 | 973 | 1,200 |
| Cutten, CA | 3,444 | 229 | 979 | 1,208 |
| Humboldt Hill, CA | 3,529 | 246 | 1,053 | 1,299 |
| Pine Hills, CA | 3,641 | 268 | 1,147 | 1,415 |
| Arcata, CA | 18,799 | 508 | 1,764 | 2,271 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bensenville, IL | 18,797 | 126 | 1,164 | 1,290 |
| Newburyport, MA | 18,788 | 47 | 395 | 442 |
| Cameron Park, CA | 18,822 | 400 | 1,711 | 2,111 |
| Manchester, MO | 18,771 | 45 | 1,301 | 1,345 |
| Round Lake, IL | 18,833 | 82 | 600 | 681 |
| Arcata, CA | 18,799 | 508 | 1,764 | 2,271 |