| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hawthorne/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,616 | n/a (estimate) | 3,193 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 9.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 37.8 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 183 | n/a | 223.3 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 374 | n/a | 456.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 596 | n/a (estimate) | 727 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 239 | n/a | 291.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,135 | n/a | 1,385.1 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 646 | n/a | 788.4 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,020 | n/a (estimate) | 2,465 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Hawthorne crime rate is 50.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Hawthorne, there were 596 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 727 per 100,000 individuals, 102.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, Hawthorne recorded 2020 property crimes, amounting to 2465 per 100,000 residents, 40.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Hawthorne has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 727 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Hawthorne falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 138 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.
With a total of 646 vehicle thefts last year, Hawthorne has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 788 per 100,000 people. This lands Hawthorne in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 127.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Hawthorne. Based on the results of the surveys (87 responses), 21% of people felt that there was very little crime in Hawthorne and felt safe walking alone at night. While 79% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hawthorne a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Hawthorne crime rate is 51% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.17 crimes per day - 1.63 violent crimes and 5.53 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Hawthorne crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Hawthorne has increased by 13.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 11.7% and property crime has increased by 23.9%.
Hawthorne reports an unemployment rate of 5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Hawthorne crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Hawthorne, 72.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Hawthorne, the average monthly rent stands at $2,011, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Hawthorne | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 133 | 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 |
| Rolling Hills, CA | 1,468 | 0 | 62 | 62 |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 24 | 788 | 812 |
| Ladera Heights, CA | 6,655 | 158 | 676 | 834 |
| Topanga, CA | 8,406 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | 42,809 | 92 | 883 | 975 |
| View Park-Windsor Hills, CA | 12,000 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Marina del Rey, CA | 10,341 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Hawthorne, CA | 88,587 | 727 | 2,465 | 3,193 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. George, UT | 88,946 | 210 | 1,003 | 1,213 |
| Avondale, AZ | 88,981 | 370 | 2,241 | 2,611 |
| Bryan, TX | 88,156 | 385 | 1,448 | 1,833 |
| Fayetteville, AR | 89,091 | 424 | 2,371 | 2,795 |
| Hoover, AL | 88,027 | 78 | 1,257 | 1,335 |
| Hawthorne, CA | 88,587 | 727 | 2,465 | 3,193 |