F
94%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
48%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
103%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBakersfield/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime18,611n/a (estimate)4,5192,8432,324
Murder38n/a9.25.76.3
Rape129n/a31.337.440.0
Robbery664n/a161.2123.566.1
Assault1,419n/a344.5332.8268.2
Violent crime2,250n/a (estimate)546500370
Burglary3,184n/a773.1371.9269.8
Theft8,319n/a2,019.81,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft4,858n/a1,179.5471.9282.7
Property crime16,361n/a (estimate)3,9722,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bakersfield, CA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bakersfield is 94.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 2250 violent crimes reported in Bakersfield, equivalent to 546 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 47.7%. Additionally, Bakersfield recorded 16361 property crimes, amounting to 3972 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 103.3%.

In Bakersfield, the crime rate stands at 4519 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 94.42%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Bakersfield that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Bakersfield faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3972 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Bakersfield stands at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

With a total of 4858 vehicle thefts last year, Bakersfield has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1179 per 100,000 people. This lands Bakersfield in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 85.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bakersfield?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bakersfield residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 292 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 21% 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, 79% 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?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bakersfield crime rate is 94% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 50.99 crimes per day - 6.16 violent crimes and 44.82 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bakersfield Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Bakersfield has increased by 5.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bakersfield is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 12.1%, while property crime has increased by 4.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Bakersfield, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 40 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Bakersfield are areas such as Hillcrest, The Oaks and Artisan, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Lakeview, East Bakersfield and Rio Bravo are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bakersfield

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 2535.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Bakersfield, 76.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Bakersfield, the average rental rates are $1,124 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Bakersfield crime map



The Bakersfield crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bakersfield 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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Crime Quick Facts

  • Bakersfield crime rates are 94% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Bakersfield are 48% higher than the national average
  • In Bakersfield you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Bakersfield is safer than 10% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Bakersfield has not changed

Bakersfield, CA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Bakersfield (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Bakersfield, CA per 100,000 people. In Bakersfield, the total number of daily crimes is 1.59 times more than the California average and 1.94 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Bakersfield is 1.09 times more than the California average and 1.48 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Bakersfield has a daily crime rate that is 1.70 times more than the California average and 2.03 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Bakersfield (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Bakersfield to every other city in California, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Bakersfield safe? The gauges above illustrate that Bakersfield is safer than 15% of every city located within California along with 10% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in California and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Bakersfield, CA is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bakersfield

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bakersfield is 1 in 184
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bakersfield is 1 in 26
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bakersfield is 1 in 23
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Bakersfield? In Bakersfield, CA you have a 1 in 184 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 26 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bakersfield.

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

        An ideal indicator of whether Bakersfield is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Bakersfield has increased by 6% and the rate of property crime in Bakersfield has decreased by 1%. The total crime rate in Bakersfield has not changed year to year.

        Bakersfield police department

        Item Bakersfield California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)47351,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.33.63.3
        There are a total of 473 Bakersfield police officers. This results in 1.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 63.2% less than the California average and 59.1% 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
        Weedpatch, CA2,8793141,4701,784
        Greenacres, CA5,2554181,9572,375
        Rosedale, CA19,0034442,0832,527
        Shafter, CA19,7433942,3472,741
        Edmundson Acres, CA3418083,7864,594
        Fuller Acres, CA6348083,7864,594
        Cherokee Strip, CA2898083,7864,594
        Bakersfield, CA379,8795463,9724,519

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Aurora, CO379,4341,0774,2295,307
        Cleveland, OH383,3311,6144,3175,931
        Wichita, KS390,5669313,5244,454
        New Orleans, LA391,2491,4444,6416,085
        Tampa, FL395,9124971,6742,170
        Bakersfield, CA379,8795463,9724,519
        Source: The Bakersfield, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.