| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Chico/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,292 | n/a (estimate) | 2,236 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 80 | n/a | 78.0 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 60 | n/a | 58.5 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 448 | n/a | 437.1 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 589 | n/a (estimate) | 575 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 224 | n/a | 218.5 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,214 | n/a | 1,184.4 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 265 | n/a | 258.5 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,703 | n/a (estimate) | 1,661 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Chico is 3.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Chico, there were 589 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 575 per 100,000 individuals, 55.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1703 property crimes, amounting to 1661 per 100,000 residents, 15% lower than the U.S. average.
The Chico crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Chico, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Chico residents. Out of the respondents (142 in total), 24% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Chico were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 76% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
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 4% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.28 daily occurrences, comprising 1.61 violent crimes and 4.67 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.
Year-over-year crime rates in Chico has decreased by 13.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Chico 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 9.1%, while property crime has decreased by 19.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Chico.
In Chico, 90% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Chico, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.66, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
Chico has an average rental rate of $1,145 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 |
| Paradise, CA | 17,560 | 358 | 1,365 | 1,724 |
| Hamilton City, CA | 2,446 | 313 | 1,465 | 1,778 |
| Durham, CA | 6,255 | 410 | 1,920 | 2,330 |
| Paradise CDP, CA | 158 | 483 | 2,264 | 2,747 |
| Cohasset, CA | 497 | 670 | 3,139 | 3,809 |
| Magalia, CA | 11,444 | 704 | 3,300 | 4,004 |
| Vina, CA | 212 | 795 | 3,727 | 4,523 |
| Chico, CA | 98,683 | 575 | 1,661 | 2,236 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boca Raton, FL | 98,776 | 119 | 720 | 839 |
| Beaverton, OR | 98,567 | 306 | 2,735 | 3,041 |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 98,997 | 138 | 2,098 | 2,236 |
| Roanoke, VA | 99,122 | 605 | 4,289 | 4,894 |
| Carmel, IN | 99,130 | 65 | 808 | 872 |
| Chico, CA | 98,683 | 575 | 1,661 | 2,236 |
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