| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | El Centro/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,070 | n/a (estimate) | 2,428 | 2,843 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 9.1 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 34.0 | 37.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 29 | n/a | 65.8 | 123.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 103 | n/a | 233.7 | 332.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 151 | n/a (estimate) | 343 | 500 | 370 |
| Burglary | 160 | n/a | 363.0 | 371.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 641 | n/a | 1,454.3 | 1,499.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 118 | n/a | 267.7 | 471.9 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 919 | n/a (estimate) | 2,085 | 2,343 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in El Centro is 4.5% 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 El Centro, there were 151 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 343 per 100,000 individuals, 7.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 919 property crimes, amounting to 2085 per 100,000 residents, 6.7% higher than the U.S. average.
When evaluating the El Centro crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported El Centro crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in El Centro is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. El Centro reported 343 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in El Centro is very similar to the national average. El Centro had a property crime rate of 2085, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of El Centro residents. Out of the respondents (40 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in El Centro were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 73% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if El Centro is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. El Centro has a total crime rate that is 4% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.93 daily crimes (0.41 violent daily crimes and 2.52 daily property crimes) in El Centro.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in El Centro. 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 El Centro has decreased by 7.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 4.4%, while property crime has decreased by 8.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in El Centro.
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 El Centro crime rate. The poverty level in El Centro is 24.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In El Centro, the cost of living is 4.7% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
El Centro has an average rental rate of $821 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 | El Centro | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 72 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 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 |
| Imperial, CA | 18,631 | 92 | 361 | 453 |
| Holtville, CA | 6,129 | 324 | 1,061 | 1,385 |
| Seeley, CA | 1,847 | 281 | 1,315 | 1,596 |
| Calexico, CA | 39,841 | 135 | 1,794 | 1,929 |
| Brawley, CA | 25,942 | 356 | 2,540 | 2,897 |
| Heber, CA | 8,413 | 519 | 2,434 | 2,954 |
| El Centro, CA | 43,881 | 343 | 2,085 | 2,428 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Urbandale, IA | 43,879 | 106 | 691 | 797 |
| Cutler Bay, FL | 43,928 | 251 | 1,516 | 1,766 |
| Altamonte Springs, FL | 43,969 | 395 | 2,297 | 2,692 |
| Riverton, UT | 43,793 | 80 | 1,093 | 1,173 |
| The Colony, TX | 43,791 | 291 | 2,818 | 3,109 |
| El Centro, CA | 43,881 | 343 | 2,085 | 2,428 |
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