| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Compton/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,956 | n/a (estimate) | 4,417 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 18 | n/a | 20.1 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 38.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 314 | n/a | 350.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 773 | n/a | 863.1 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,139 | n/a (estimate) | 1,272 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 347 | n/a | 387.4 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,443 | n/a | 1,611.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,027 | n/a | 1,146.7 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,817 | n/a (estimate) | 3,145 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
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 Compton is 108.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 1139 violent crimes reported in Compton, equivalent to 1272 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 254.1%. Additionally, Compton recorded 2817 property crimes, amounting to 3145 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 78.7%.
With a crime rate of 4417 per 100,000 residents, Compton has a crime rate that is 108.43% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Compton that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Compton has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1272 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Compton falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 79 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Compton ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Compton, there were a total of 18 murders, translating to 20 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
With a total of 1027 vehicle thefts last year, Compton has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1147 per 100,000 people. This lands Compton in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 88.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Compton. Based on the results of the surveys (341 responses), 29% of people felt that there was very little crime in Compton and felt safe walking alone at night. While 71% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Compton 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, Compton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 108%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 10.84 daily incidents, encompassing 3.12 violent crimes and 7.72 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Compton as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Compton has increased by 17.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Compton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 1.2%, while property crime has increased by 25.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Compton is a safe place to live.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Compton crime rate. The poverty level in Compton is 19.5%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Compton, the cost of living is 39.47% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Compton, the average rental rates are $1,886 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Compton | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,468 | 0 | 62 | 62 |
| Rose Hills, CA | 2,699 | 87 | 371 | 458 |
| North El Monte, CA | 3,790 | 121 | 518 | 639 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| Rossmoor, CA | 12,384 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Compton, CA | 98,731 | 1,272 | 3,145 | 4,417 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brockton, MA | 98,714 | 599 | 1,346 | 1,945 |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 98,783 | 99 | 1,186 | 1,285 |
| Albany, NY | 99,012 | 817 | 2,848 | 3,665 |
| Hesperia, CA | 98,419 | 520 | 1,426 | 1,945 |
| Riverview, FL | 98,341 | 229 | 1,220 | 1,449 |
| Compton, CA | 98,731 | 1,272 | 3,145 | 4,417 |
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