| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Atwater/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 932 | n/a (estimate) | 2,904 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 6.2 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 18 | n/a | 56.1 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 56.1 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 190 | n/a | 592.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 228 | n/a (estimate) | 710 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 87 | n/a | 271.1 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 561 | n/a | 1,748.0 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 56 | n/a | 174.5 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 704 | n/a (estimate) | 2,194 | 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 Atwater crime rate is higher than the national average by 37%. Specifically, there were 228 violent crimes in Atwater, equivalent to 710 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 97.8%. Furthermore, Atwater recorded 704 property crimes, amounting to 2194 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 24.6%.
Atwater ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 710 per 100,000 people, Atwater is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Atwater, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Atwater residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 17 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 24% of Atwater 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, 76% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Atwater 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. Atwater has a total crime rate that is 37% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.55 daily crimes (0.62 violent daily crimes and 1.93 daily property crimes) in Atwater.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Atwater. 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 Atwater has decreased by 10.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 50%, while property crime has decreased by 20.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Atwater.
Atwater has a poverty rate of 17.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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. Atwater currently has an unemployment rate of 7.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Atwater, the average rental rates are $1,578 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
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 | Atwater | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 40 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.4 | 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 |
| McSwain, CA | 4,594 | 190 | 812 | 1,002 |
| Livingston, CA | 14,885 | 372 | 1,407 | 1,779 |
| Ballico, CA | 522 | 351 | 1,500 | 1,850 |
| Hilmar-Irwin, CA | 6,116 | 420 | 1,795 | 2,214 |
| Turlock, CA | 74,182 | 476 | 1,877 | 2,352 |
| Denair, CA | 5,832 | 448 | 1,917 | 2,366 |
| Franklin, CA | 7,915 | 622 | 2,661 | 3,283 |
| Atwater, CA | 30,996 | 710 | 2,194 | 2,904 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Tonawanda, NY | 31,006 | 154 | 1,087 | 1,241 |
| New Bern, NC | 30,984 | 363 | 1,616 | 1,979 |
| Newington, CT | 31,008 | 76 | 2,136 | 2,212 |
| Golden Gate, FL | 31,030 | 255 | 1,355 | 1,609 |
| Fitchburg, WI | 30,947 | 275 | 1,341 | 1,616 |
| Atwater, CA | 30,996 | 710 | 2,194 | 2,904 |
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