| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chico/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,619 | n/a (estimate) | 2,597 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 2.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 139 | n/a | 137.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 83 | n/a | 82.3 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 481 | n/a | 477.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 705 | n/a (estimate) | 699 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 210 | n/a | 208.3 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,499 | n/a | 1,486.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 205 | n/a | 203.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,914 | n/a (estimate) | 1,898 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
The Chico crime rates are 22.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 705 violent crimes in Chico (699 per 100,000 people), which is 94.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1914 property crimes (1898 per 100,000 residents) which is 7.9% higher than average.
Chico exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1898 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Chico maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Chico residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 146 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 25% of Chico 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, 75% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Chico 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, Chico has an overall crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 7.18 daily occurrences, comprising 1.93 violent crimes and 5.24 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Chico as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Chico. 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 Chico has decreased by 1.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 30.6%, while property crime has decreased by 9.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Chico.
In Chico, the cost of living is 31.48% 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 Chico, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.66 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Chico stands at $616,564, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Chico | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 145 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Forest Ranch, CA | 1,599 | 68 | 292 | 360 |
| Paradise, CA | 18,159 | 285 | 693 | 979 |
| Cohasset, CA | 511 | 242 | 1,037 | 1,279 |
| Hamilton City, CA | 2,529 | 280 | 1,199 | 1,479 |
| Durham, CA | 6,384 | 296 | 1,266 | 1,562 |
| Paradise CDP, CA | 164 | 470 | 2,008 | 2,478 |
| Nord, CA | 375 | 575 | 2,460 | 3,036 |
| Chico, CA | 100,994 | 699 | 1,898 | 2,597 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Beaverton, OR | 100,974 | 365 | 2,661 | 3,026 |
| Orem, UT | 101,229 | 174 | 1,360 | 1,534 |
| Nampa, ID | 100,694 | 353 | 742 | 1,095 |
| Federal Way, WA | 100,624 | 545 | 4,372 | 4,918 |
| Rio Rancho, NM | 100,592 | 318 | 1,339 | 1,658 |
| Chico, CA | 100,994 | 699 | 1,898 | 2,597 |
Here are the best places to live in California
Safest Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US