| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Atascadero/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 341 | n/a (estimate) | 1,149 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 23.6 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 26.9 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 37 | n/a | 124.6 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 179 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 28 | n/a | 94.3 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 232 | n/a | 781.5 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 94.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 288 | n/a (estimate) | 970 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Atascadero crime rate is lower than the national average by 45.8%. Specifically, there were 53 violent crimes in Atascadero, equivalent to 179 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 50.3%. Furthermore, Atascadero recorded 288 property crimes, amounting to 970 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 44.9%.
AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Atascadero to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 60% of people answered that there was very little crime in Atascadero and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 40% 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.
Determining whether Atascadero is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Atascadero has an overall crime rate that is 46% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.93 daily occurrences, comprising 0.15 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Atascadero as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Atascadero crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Atascadero has decreased by 28.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 36.9% and property crime has decreased by 26.7%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Atascadero crime rate. The poverty level in Atascadero is 6.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Atascadero crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Atascadero has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Atascadero, the median home price stands at $960,531, 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.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Atascadero | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Cayucos, CA | 2,290 | 76 | 326 | 402 |
| Morro Bay, CA | 10,833 | 294 | 788 | 1,082 |
| Templeton, CA | 8,228 | 268 | 1,146 | 1,414 |
| Los Osos, CA | 16,776 | 330 | 1,412 | 1,742 |
| Garden Farms, CA | 432 | 336 | 1,439 | 1,775 |
| El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA | 32,188 | 364 | 1,857 | 2,221 |
| Atascadero, CA | 31,156 | 179 | 970 | 1,149 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Milford Mill, MD | 31,149 | 546 | 2,665 | 3,211 |
| Madison Heights, MI | 31,139 | 277 | 1,458 | 1,735 |
| Ballwin, MO | 31,123 | 56 | 484 | 540 |
| North Royalton, OH | 31,118 | 128 | 673 | 801 |
| Fountain, CO | 31,205 | 482 | 1,894 | 2,375 |
| Atascadero, CA | 31,156 | 179 | 970 | 1,149 |