F
27%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
73%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
18%
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 peopleEast Palo Alto/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime821n/a (estimate)2,9532,8432,324
Murder5n/a18.05.76.3
Rape14n/a50.437.440.0
Robbery66n/a237.4123.566.1
Assault93n/a334.5332.8268.2
Violent crime178n/a (estimate)640500370
Burglary61n/a219.4371.9269.8
Theft420n/a1,510.81,499.31,401.9
Vehicle theft162n/a582.7471.9282.7
Property crime643n/a (estimate)2,3132,3431,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in East Palo Alto, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in East Palo Alto is 27.1% higher 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 East Palo Alto, there were 178 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 640 per 100,000 individuals, 73.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 643 property crimes, amounting to 2313 per 100,000 residents, 18.4% higher than the U.S. average.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. East Palo Alto stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In East Palo Alto, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 18 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and East Palo Alto faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 162 vehicle thefts, translating to 583 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places East Palo Alto in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 172.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in East Palo Alto?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in East Palo Alto. Based on the results of the surveys (19 responses), 26% of people felt that there was very little crime in East Palo Alto and felt safe walking alone at night. While 74% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is East Palo Alto a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether East Palo Alto 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, East Palo Alto has an overall crime rate that is 27% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.25 daily occurrences, comprising 0.49 violent crimes and 1.76 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of East Palo Alto as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in East Palo Alto Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in East Palo Alto has increased by 0.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not East Palo Alto 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 21.9%, while property crime has increased by 3.9%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in East Palo Alto.

Potential Causes for Crime in East Palo Alto

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower East Palo Alto crime rates. In East Palo Alto, the poverty rate stands at 11.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In East Palo Alto, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.43 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.

In East Palo Alto, the average rental rates are $1,765 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.

East Palo Alto crime map



The East Palo Alto crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in East Palo Alto 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 East Palo Alto crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the East Palo Alto 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

  • East Palo Alto crime rates are 27% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in East Palo Alto are 73% higher than the national average
  • In East Palo Alto you have a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • East Palo Alto is safer than 13% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in East Palo Alto has increased by 7%

East Palo Alto, CA Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In East Palo Alto (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in East Palo Alto on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of California and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in East Palo Alto (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to California, are 1.04 times more than the state average and 1.27 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in East Palo Alto on a daily basis are 1.28 times more than than California average and 1.73 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in East Palo Alto are 1.01 times less than the daily state average and 1.18 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is East Palo Alto (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in East Palo Alto, California compared to other areas of California, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is East Palo Alto safe? In the graphs above, it shows that East Palo Alto is safer than 18% of California cities, and 13% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in California, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than East Palo Alto. At this time, East Palo Alto sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in East Palo Alto

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in East Palo Alto is 1 in 157
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in East Palo Alto is 1 in 44
        The chance of being a victim of crime in East Palo Alto is 1 in 34
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in East Palo Alto, California? If you reside in East Palo Alto, then there is a 1 in 157 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 44. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 34 risk that you will become a victim of crime in East Palo Alto.

        Year Over Year Crime In East Palo Alto (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in East Palo Alto, CA is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in East Palo Alto has increased by 29%, while the property crime rate in East Palo Alto has increased by 2% year over year. Summing up the numbers, East Palo Alto has increased by 7% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        East Palo Alto police department

        Item East Palo Alto California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)4151,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.43.63.3
        There are a total of 41 East Palo Alto police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 60.5% less than the California average and 56.2% 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
        Ladera, CA1,38570329399
        Sunol, CA83570329399
        Loyola, CA3,40495446542
        West Menlo Park, CA3,72095446542
        Cambrian Park, CA3,01595446542
        Highlands-Baywood Park, CA4,261130609738
        Emerald Lake Hills, CA4,893130609738
        East Palo Alto, CA29,4486402,3132,953

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Oak Park, MI29,4463612,2022,562
        Stockbridge, GA29,4464542,0912,545
        Norwood, MA29,446155831986
        Seguin, TX29,4584162,0832,499
        Suisun City, CA29,4593561,6462,002
        East Palo Alto, CA29,4486402,3132,953
        Source: The East Palo Alto, 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.