| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bakersfield/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12,585 | n/a (estimate) | 3,024 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 28 | n/a | 6.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 170 | n/a | 40.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 523 | n/a | 125.7 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,587 | n/a | 381.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,308 | n/a (estimate) | 555 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2,237 | n/a | 537.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,239 | n/a | 1,259.0 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2,801 | n/a | 673.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 10,277 | n/a (estimate) | 2,470 | 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 Bakersfield crime rate is higher than the national average by 42.7%. Specifically, there were 2308 violent crimes in Bakersfield, equivalent to 555 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 54.5%. Furthermore, Bakersfield recorded 10277 property crimes, amounting to 2470 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 40.3%.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Bakersfield ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 2801 vehicle thefts, amounting to 673 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Bakersfield within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 149.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Bakersfield residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 299 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 22% of Bakersfield 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, 78% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Bakersfield has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 43%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 34.48 daily incidents, encompassing 6.32 violent crimes and 28.16 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Bakersfield as a potential place to call home.
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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield has decreased by 28.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 15% and property crime has decreased by 34.2%.
The Bakersfield area comprises a diverse array of over 39 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Rio Bravo, Hillcrest and The Oaks which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as East Bakersfield, Homaker Park and Oleander Sunset exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Bakersfield neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Bakersfield crime rates. For instance, in Bakersfield, the population density stands at 2611.2 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Bakersfield, the cost of living is 23.28% higher than the national average.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bakersfield, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.33 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 | Bakersfield | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 473 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.3 | 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 |
| Weedpatch, CA | 2,941 | 305 | 1,304 | 1,609 |
| Shafter, CA | 20,238 | 279 | 1,365 | 1,644 |
| Rosedale, CA | 19,688 | 340 | 1,452 | 1,792 |
| Greenacres, CA | 5,463 | 482 | 2,062 | 2,544 |
| Edmundson Acres, CA | 350 | 730 | 3,121 | 3,851 |
| Lamont, CA | 15,220 | 740 | 3,165 | 3,906 |
| Cherokee Strip, CA | 300 | 785 | 3,358 | 4,143 |
| Bakersfield, CA | 390,909 | 555 | 2,470 | 3,024 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cleveland, OH | 391,340 | 1,561 | 4,426 | 5,987 |
| Aurora, CO | 393,102 | 948 | 3,104 | 4,052 |
| Wichita, KS | 398,457 | 539 | 2,303 | 2,842 |
| Tampa, FL | 403,927 | 445 | 1,465 | 1,910 |
| Arlington, TX | 406,065 | 483 | 2,413 | 2,896 |
| Bakersfield, CA | 390,909 | 555 | 2,470 | 3,024 |
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